Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

What does Christmas mean for you? For me, I have many memories of Christmas growing up as a kid. The YouTube video captures one of those memories.

Every year, the Sunday before Christmas was called White Gift Sunday. It was a time to support an area Food Pantry by wrapping up canned food, in white paper of course, and placing it under the Christmas Tree at church. Then we would gather in the Sunday School area, all the kids would sing a lot of Christmas Carols. What song did I like to sing every year? Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer! Back then it was always a solo. But, these days the song has been a little tricked out with drums and guitars. The YouTube video has me playing guitar, along with my son Zack on drums, and our middle son Ryan playing the bass.  

Another fond Christmas memory revolves around trying to sneak down the hallway of our house in a little village outside of Belleville, Ontario, Canada. After opening one gift on Christmas Eve, leaving a snack for Santa and Rudolph, it was off to bed. Of course Mom and Dad always told us to stay in bed and not get up too early. But, that never seemed to stop us from trying to silently sneak down the hallway. I have no idea how it happened, but every Christmas morning, a non-existent squeak on the hardwood floor suddenly appeared right outside of our parents bedroom. A voice would come from the room saying, “Get back to bed.” Then my brothers and I would quickly retreat to the safety of our rooms to figure out another way to get past our parents.

After my wife and I got married and had kids of our own, the same tradition came along. Our boys would open one gift, leave treats for Santa and Rudolph, and head for bed. Fun times, and great memories. Our three boys are now older. While they are still very excited about Christmas, they don’t seem to get up as early these days. As a matter of fact, most Christmas mornings around our house now consists of me getting up and making noise to wake everyone else up!

Yes, I really am still a kid at heart.

What about you? What kind of memories do you have of Christmas? With Christmas just a couple days away, I’d love to hear from you about your special memories. So, go ahead, leave a comment on this blog post and tell me, along with our other readers, what your favorite memory is for Christmas.

Just my two cents…and Merry Christmas!
Dr. Rus

When the Extreme Makeover crew arrives on the scene in any given community, it’s like the circus has come to town. TV cameras from the show, as well as from area TV stations converge on the scene to catch a glimpse of all the action. People from all over fill the streets in hopes of catching a glimpse of host Ty Pennington. Wrecking balls come in and demolish a house, and right before the eyes of all those gathered, a new house goes up in its place.

When the crew leaves, secrecy continues as no one is supposed to see inside the house until the show airs on TV. Then, when all that excitement fades away, what happens? Many times the once excited family is left holding the bag, looking at mounting bills, with no way to pay them.

In August I wrote about this in a post entitled Extreme Makeover…Hidden Costs. At that point in time, I was discussing what might happen to an area family blessed with a visit from Ty and his crew.

Today however, I’m writing about a true life story where a family who was once over-joyed with their makeover, finds themselves looking for handouts to survive.

When The Lights Fade On The Makeover

A deaf couple in Michigan avoided foreclosure after receiving thousands of dollars in donations so they could make a payment on their house that was revamped on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The ABC reality program refurbished Larry and Judy Vardon’s home in 2004 to better accommodate their blind and autistic son. However, since the makeover upgrade, the Vardon’s mortgage payment has doubled. On top of the doubled mortgage payment value, the family’s medical insurance does not cover all of their 16 year old’s treatment for autism.

However, thanks to the kindness of strangers, the Vardon’s will avoid losing the Oakland County, Michigan home, for now. The couple recently told an area newspaper that they did not ask for any money. They credit recent media coverage which raised awareness of their financial situation.

Where are the people connected with the Extreme Makeover show?

In the past when stories have surfaced about families facing problems, there’s nothing but silence from Ty and the gang. Making matters worse, when a family is faced with having to sell their made-over house, the producers of the reality TV show complain very loudly. Why? Because it’s bad publicity for the hit TV reality show. However, stories such as the one about the Michigan family should raise a number of concerns on many levels. Once again we discover reality TV shows are nothing more than a ratings grabber. When the dust settles, those involved are left standing alone, facing issues they never faced before.

Is the hype surrounding an Extreme Makeover worth it? Not if it means losing you house when all is said and done.

Just my two cents,
Dr. Rus

Can you believe it? In just one week, it will be Christmas morning! That’s right, if you have kids, in just one week the house will be scattered with torn wrapping paper, discarded boxes, and the smell of turkey filling the air.

In what is supposed to be a most joyous season, many people find themselves stressed out and over-extended on credit cards. There’s the thought that Christmas will be wonderful because of the many dollars spent. But then January 15th arrives, and the stress of trying to figure out how to pay off the credit card bills comes pouring in.

Of course those are concerns parents and adults have. But what about kids? What’s on the minds of children at this time of year? They line up to see Santa with list in hand, and some brave souls have a few other questions for the Jolly ‘Ol Fellow. What’s on their minds? How do reindeer really fly? Does Rudolph eat all the food left for him? Does Santa really eat all the cookies left out for him?

But, the most often asked question of Santa…

How do you visit all the houses in one night?

Through much research, and top secret findings, a North Carolina Professor says he’s figured out how Santa does what he does. Larry Silverberg says Santa “exploits the space-time continuum.” Silverberg goes on to say, “Santa understands that space stretches. He understands that you can stretch time, compress space, and therefore, he can, in a sense, take up to six months to deliver the presents.”

Silverberg admits there’s no way Santa can actually haul the toys around the world in one trip. As for how they actually wind up under each and every tree, Silverberg spins his theory out this way…

“We believe Santa uses nanotechnology to grow the presents under the tree and really, what he’s done, is he’s figured out how to turn what we call irreversible thermo-dynamic properties into reversible ones and so he really starts with soot, candy, and other types of materials. He then puts them under the tree and he actually grows them in a reverse process to create the presents, wrapping and all.”

While this may sound complicated and very confusing, Professor Silverberg said you could have learned it all in college. All you had to do was not skip your last class of Quantum Physics 101 so you could get home early for the Christmas holidays.

Did you get all that?

Merry Christmas, and oh yeah, don’t forget this is…

Just my two cents,
Dr. Rus

Klaatu Looking For Answers in The Day the Earth Stood Still

We find ourselves in some tough economic times. Not only are things tough in the economy, but we’re also in the midst of the Christmas season when people are hoping to buy gifts for loved ones. When faced with tough times, people usually head to the movies. Why do they go to the movies when times are tough?

To escape the reality of what’s going on in the world around them for a couple of hours.

To get their mind off what’s tearing them apart, and slip into some fantasy world where things are fun. To go find a place where they can live happily ever after.

Aside from writing this blog, Just My Two Cents, I also have a movie review blog called Frame by Frame. That’s where you will find my full review of The Day the Earth Stood Still. While I will highlight some aspects of that movie here, this is not a review of the movie. Instead, The Day the Earth Stood Still generated some ideas on the topic of politics in movies.

Four Christmases with the ever arrogant Vince Vaughn, and the ever so graceful Reese Witherspoon, has remained in the top five box office results since it’s release. From a movie aspect, it’s a bad flick. But, from an escapism aspect, it’s just what audiences are looking for these days. Even though the movie is bad, it’s serving an important purpose for movie-goers. Escape the pressing issues of the day for an hour and a half and have a good laugh. There was a time when the entertainment world knew the definition of the word entertain.

 Movies are supposed to entertain!

But, somewhere along the line, a star struck society has vaulted and pushed entertainers, who read lines from scriptis, to an elevated status of know-it-alls. Just because someone plays a political leader in a movie, does not mean they have a clue about the political world. If anything, they live in a sound bite world, shielded from real life. Then, making matters worse, when the so-called entertainer-turned-political specialist decides to make a movie with a political statement, the lines between politics and entertainment get blurred. And, if I may add, that’s when entertainment crosses the line they should not enter into.

Political movies abound, but just because it’s a political movie, does not mean it’s a blockbuster. As a matter of fact, most political statement type movies are nothing more than box office flops because people are not interested. Sure, they may have an initial burst at the box office on opening weekend, but for the most part, they quickly fade away.

A Movie With An Identity Crisis

The Day the Earth Stood Still really suffers from an identity crisis. First off, the remake of the classic 1951 sci-fi flick stands still in many places. The filmmakers made a valiant attempt at the remake, but it falls flat. Then, when you toss in the fact that the filmmakers are also trying to make a save the earth statement, the thrust of the movie becomes even more foggy. At one point I made note of the fact that Al Gore may have been a better choice to play the role of Klaatu. Let’s put it this way, Gore couldn’t have done any worse than Keanu Reeves did with the character. Throughout the movie we’re told humans are irresponsible and killing the planet. As a result, Klaatu, who’s a self-described friend of the earth, has been sent to set us all straight. What does being set straight mean? It means humans will be wiped off the face of the earth, to save the earth.

In other words, the very loud global warming agenda here is one that says people are not important, but the earth is.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying we should not care about what we’re doing to the environment. But, when I’m told I’m less important than the earth and animals, I take offense to that. Are there things we can do to improve our standard of living, without harming the environment? Of course. But when a movie crosses the line from entertainment to politics, there’s a collision that just should not exist in the movie industry.

But here’s where the identity crisis jumps to the forefront of The Day the Earth Stood Still. After making note about Al Gore, I quickly made another note as the movie points out…

When mankind is on the brink of destruction, history shows people change. As a result, don’t force the change. It will just happen.

In other words, this movie with the identity crisis is suddenly telling the environmentalists to not push their agenda to heavily. You can’t force people to change. Instead, as the main message of the movie declares, “When we are on the edge of a precipice, positive change does come.”

What’s the bottom line here? Things get messy when politics and movies collide. The result is either a bad movie pushing a political agenda, or a bad movie suffering from an identity crisis. The entertainment world needs to remember they are entertainers, not politicians. If they want to be politicians, run for office.

Just my two cents,
Dr. Rus

For people living near and around Rochester, New York, much of what goes on in the city could be referred to as a soap opera. It seems every time you turn around, there’s another example of poor decision politics going on. Could it be those in leadership are always looking for the quick fix instead of the right fix? Officials in Rochester have a tendency to put all of their eggs in one basket. Then, they go for government funding, and in the end, many times, the project fails.

Could it be that’s happening again with PaeTec?

PaeTec’s Midtown Timeline in Limbo

Rochester has been trying to revitalize their downtown area for years. A number of months ago Rochester Mayor Bob Duffy made a big announcement with great fanfare saying the savior of the downtown area would come in the form of a world headquarters for the telecommunication giant PaeTec Corporation. The plans included evicting the existing tenants of the Midtown Plaza and forcing the owner of Midtown Plaza to take a bargain basement buyout of the building. If the owner didn’t accept the dollars offered by the city, no problem. The City of Rochester would simply condemn the building and force the owner to sell at a lower price. The planned demolition of the Midtown Plaza also included the demolition of the Skyway, connecting much of the downtown area buildings together so people did not have to walk outside.

On the surface, the plan sounded wonderful. But, scratch the surface, and many problems quickly rise to the surface.

First off, since when is a company with holdings in a local community with just a few other businesses in other states, considered a communication giant? Secondly, do strong-arm tactics ever work in the long run? Eviction and condemning buildings are nothing more than bully-tactics to further ones agenda. It’s short term, knee jerk reaction planning. And last, but certainly not least, where were all the dollars coming from? While PaeTec said they were putting up money, much of the deal also hinged on government money.

Now PaeTec, who’s stock has bottomed out lately and just laid off 222 employees, say their building plans are in limbo. PaeTec’s leader, Arunas Chesonis, said he’s confident he will “hold up his end of the deal.” But, he went on to say he’s “not sure of the timeline.”

What’s holding up the timeline you ask?

Chesonis puts the blame on the governments lap. It’s no secret that state governments across the nation are belt tightening. Of course New York State is looking for areas to trim a bloated budget, and an ever-growing state deficit. With the looming budget cuts, many member items are on the chopping block. That means, money for the construction and revitalization of downtown Rochester, may be cut from the state budget line.

On top of the prospect of a big hole in downtown Rochester where the Midtown Plaza once stood, PaeTec made another announcement yesterday. They are not renewing the naming agreement with the Rochester Rhinos and what’s currently known as PaeTec Park where the soccer team plays. Of course PaeTec Park is yet another example of a Rochester project that expects millions and millions of taxpayer money from the government.

Time and time again the Rhinos have had issues with the building of PaeTec Park. Not only have there been building problems, but the team has struggled as well. Poor attendance is not blamed on an over-bloated sports town. No, instead its blamed on a lack of their own field. (The Rhinos once shared Frontier Field, home of the Rochester Red Wings baseball team.) The Rhinos built their own stadium, and attendance is still down. Who’s to blame? The government because they won’t hand out more money to add extra seating to the stadium. By the way, they want the money so they can build high-end expensive box seats. The fact that the City of Rochester decided to build the stadium in a red light district of Rochester is never mentioned. The fact that maybe soccer is not as big a sport as first thought, is never mentioned. No, instead the government is blamed.

Could It Be The Government Is Tired Of Rochester Bailouts?

Time and time again both the state government and the federal government is hit up for money to support some kind of failed project in Rochester. The fast ferry fiasco and now PaeTec Park and PaeTec World Headquarters, are merely just a few examples of a bottomless pit of wasted taxpayers dollars. Instead of blaming greed, poor management, and quick fix schemes, people are quick to blame the government for not printing new money.

Here’s an idea, as people scream for better management at the state level when it comes to budgets, how about screaming for better management at any local level. It’s obvious the state and federal government is not capable, able, or supposed to, support every money making idea that comes down the pike. Instead, the government should govern. The state and the federal government is not to be viewed as a bank.

Maybe Someone Should Point That Out To The Rochester Mayor

Often I bring up Mayor Bob Duffy’s name when it comes to poor management of the City of Rochester. To be fair, I must point out it’s not just an issue with him. These issues have been around for years. Many cities think all they need to do is head to the Bank of the State and get a blank check to bail them out of whatever financial crisis seems to be at the top of the list for the day. However, all too often, since I live in the Rochester area, Mayor Duffy’s name comes up, simply because this is where I live.

In the midst of what appears to be a PaeTac exit plan blaming the government for not coming through with money, Mayor Bob Duffy was in Albany again this week. Why was he there? He was once again looking for money. Mayor Duffy recently met with the States Budget Director. Now, he’s quick to point out he was not lobbying for more state aid. Instead, Mayor Duffy said he was looking for more power over how he spends taxpayer dollars.

Let’s recap here for a moment.

Mayor Duffy can’t even balance the Rochester City budget and now he wants more control over how he spends taxpayer money? Have we quickly forgotten that Mayor Bob Duffy recently spent close to $770,000 of taxpayer money when handing out bonuses to his staff? Kodak and other major companies in the area, and in the nation, are cutting out bonuses and pay increases. But apparently Mayor Duffy has no problem crying for more money, while passing out cash like he has some kind of money-making machine in the basement of Rochester City Hall.

Instead of spending money like it’s going out of style, and then crying for more government money, maybe it’s time for all governments to work within their means. After all, that’s what everyone else has to do.

Just my two cents,
Dr. Rus

New York Magazine Says “The Nanny” Wants Hillary Clinton’s Senate Seat!

Just when you thought politics in New York State couldn’t get any sillier, Fran Drescher announces she wants the Senate seat currently held by Hillary Clinton. New York State holds the record for most missed on-time budgets. It holds the record for the highest taxes in the States. New York State suffered the scandal of Governor Eliot Spitzer who liked to play with high-priced-hookers across state lines. As a result of that scandal, New York State ended up with what I refer to as the accidental Governor, David Paterson. Yesterday I blogged about the silliness of Caroline Kennedy being announced as a possible replacement for Senator Clinton.

And now, just when you thought it was safe to look at New York State politics again…

Fran Drescher says SHE wants to replace Senator Hillary Clinton!

Drescher Says She’s Qualified For The Senate Position

When you look at the non-qualifications of someone like Caroline Kennedy, you have to ask yourself what qualifications does Fran Drescher bring to the table. As Drescher announced she was throwing her hat into the ring for the Senate seat she said;

“I’ve just been given the appointment of U.S. diplomat for party Le Cirque: A Table in Heaven at that restaurant, on December 3. My title is public diplomacy envoy for women’s health issues, and I just got back from a four-country European tour of duty. I believe I’ll be sent to the Middle East. What else makes a good candidate? I’m an authentic and honest person and I think Capital Hill needs more of that.”

In recent years Drescher has been outspoken with it comes to women health issues. Her activism started when she was diagnosed with uterine cancer. Along the way she says she’s won First Lady Laura Bush’s help and was rewarded with a nomination to be a special U.S. envoy on women’s health issues. Her appointment is stuck in bureaucracy. Drescher also says there are no skeletons in her closet.

Hopefully no one will take her bid for the Senate seat seriously. But then again, maybe we should all rally behind her and see that she gets the seat. After all much of what takes place on Capital Hill is already like a TV sitcom. So, the addition of The Nanny to keep everyone in place could make sense.

Maybe after a stint as Senator she could run for President and the White House first family could look like this…

Just my two cents,
Dr. Rus

Caroline Kennedy as a Senator?

Apparently the Democrats don’t care about experience. Instead they’re looking for a name. What’s in a name you ask? When you’re name happens to be Kennedy, apparently that’s all you need on your resume. This makes no sense at all. The big weekend news for New York State — Caroline Kennedy is interested in the Senate seat that will open up when Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton becomes Secretary of State.

Talk about left field! That’s exactly where this one comes from.

If Senator Clinton is confirmed to President-elect Barack Obama’s cabinet, New York Governor David Paterson will appoint someone to fill the seat for two years. Of course speculation has been running rampant as to just who will take over the role of Junior Senator. The Senior New York State Senator, Charles Schumer, has been salivating over the fact that he will soon actually be recognized as the Senior Senator from New York State. It’s a title he should have because he’s been there the longest. But, for the past number of years he’s been overshadowed by the Clinton’s. Well Chuckie, I hate to break it to you, but if Caroline Kennedy gets the nod as the replacement for Senator Clinton, the big shadow you’ve been in for the past few years, has just gotten a lot bigger! No one will know you exist if a Kennedy ends up in that position.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told The Associated Press that his usually press-shy cousin is “ready to move onto a bigger stage” now that her children are grown. But making this even more outrageous is the fact that some Democrats are reporting that Caroline Kennedy and Governor Paterson have already spoken about the seat.

What’s Really Going On Here?

The latest installment of As Capital Hill Turns actually points to the fact that the Democrats may be afraid they’re poised and ready to lose a seat in the Senate. The GOP have in the past put up a few powerhouse candidates in opposition to Senator Hillary Clinton. But, with the possibility of Senator Clinton disappearing from the Senate ticket, the Dems are suddenly faced with the fact that they have no one of name who could possibly hold onto that seat. When it was first announced that Clinton was up for the Secretary of State position, the Dems quickly said whomever Governor Paterson appoints, has to have a big name, and a big buck draw. Why? So they can be re-elected in two years time.

In other words, this all has less to do with experience, and more to do with name. If Governor Paterson appoints Caroline Kennedy to replace Senator Clinton for the New York State Senator’s position, it will truly mark a sad day for politics. It will also once again show that perk-appointments are alive and well in the New York State Democratic party.

Just my two cents,
Dr. Rus

Usually when he’s referred to in the news, he’s called Rochester Billionaire Tom Golisano. He’s also the founder of Paychex and his name appears on buildings all over the Rochester, New York area. Big bucks has a way of having people name buildings after you. Of course when the person pretty much says the only way you’ll get the money is if you put my name on it, many organizations bow to the almighty dollar. Usually buildings are named after influential people after they die. It’s called a legacy and a remembrance of someone. But, such is not the case with the many Golisano named buildings in the area. It appears the man is buying a legacy.

But this could simply be the tip of the iceberg…

Aside from what’s listed above, Tom Golisano has made a number of unsuccessful runs for Governor of New York State. Not only has he lost nominations on real party lines, he’s also lost while running as an independent. During this past election cycle Golisano founded an organization called Responsible New York. The premise of this political organization was one of trying to put responsible New Yorkers in Albany as elected officials and leaders.

While on the surface, this sounds fine and dandy. However, soon Responsible New York turned into a way for Golisano to pump thousands, if not millions of dollars into the coffers of candidates who measured up to some kind of standard set by Tom Golisano. If a candidate wanted any money, they had to go through a lengthy process, and application process, in order to receive the Golisano dollars. In Erie County a lawsuit was filed accusing Golisano, along with Responsible New York of tampering with the election process. The case has since been dropped. Why? Surprise, surprise,those involved said they don’t have the kind of money needed to see such a case through.

Could it be that the Billionaire pointed out he has lots of money and will win any lawsuit?

It’s also worth pointing out that the suit was not filed by just one party. Both the Republican and the Democratic party leadership in Erie County were involved in the suit. But alas, we will never have an outcome in that case.

Leadership Meeting Involves Golisano

While the above points are disturbing alone, something even more disturbing took place in Albany this week.

The Democrats are poised and ready to take control of the New York Senate for the first time since 1965. After the November elections, the Democrats now hold 32 of the Senate’s 62 seats, giving the party the majority for the first time in 40 years. With the change in leadership, there was much jockeying for whom would become the leader of the new Senate Majority. As a result of recent meetings in Albany, incoming State Senator Pedro Espada Jr. will assume the title of Majority Leader.

First off, how does an incoming Senator end up as Majority Leader? This makes no sense at all.

This is where the whole situation gets very interesting.

Senator Malcolm Smith was poised to become the Democratic leader. However, in a major concession to a group known as the Gang of Three, that all changed with just a blink of an eye. Somehow Senator Smith stepped aside, and the freshman Senator Espada Jr. rose to the leadership position. So , who was involved in the meeting where the leadership position was decided?

Queens Congressman Greg Meeks and Tom Golisano.

Wait a minute - Tom Golisano? - Did I miss something here? Was Golisano’s name on the ballot somewhere and I missed it? Did Golisano get voted to a position in New York State government in Albany that we all missed? Why is Tom Golisano sitting in on a meeting of elected officials to decide who the leader of the Senate Major will be? The last time I checked, Tom Golisano was not elected to any political office. With that in mind - What is he doing working through the selection process in regards to the leadership of any elected position in Albany?

Of course when all was said and done, a Golisano spokesman said the Paychex founder was pleased with the meeting. Golisano also said he believes the right leaders are now in place that are in line with his Responsible New York platform.

Does this seem wrong to anyone else?

Tom Golisano is not an elected official. As a taxpayer he has a right to voice his opinion as to what’s going on in politics. But since when does a taxpayer have a seat at a table picking governmental structure leadership positions such as Majority leaders? If this is the way the leadership for the Senate Majority is supposed to be picked, I want a recall. I was not asked for my input, nor were other voters. Why is Golisano receiving such preferential treatment? Could it be that he’s found a new way to get involved in public office? Instead of being voted into office by the people, he’s decided to go under the guise of Responsible New York and buy his way into politics.

It appears Responsible New York is nothing more than a fancy name for a lobbying group. The chief lobbyist is Tom Golisano. That being the case, every politician, and every voter in New York needs to stand up and cry foul because this is definitely tampering. Not only do the politicians and the people need to cry foul, but the Ethics Committee should also look into this fiasco. Obviously the money given by Golisano to various candidates has done more than just get them elected. It’s put a number of elected officials right into the pocket of Tom Golisano.

Just my two cents,
Dr. Rus

First Wall Street told us the sky would fall if they failed. Financial CEO’s with they big dollar salaries and perks galore told the federal government if they didn’t give them money, the entire economy would collapse. Going against public opinion, the government decided to hand out billions of dollars of taxpayer money to prop up Wall Street. We now find ourselves on the other side of the bailout, and not much has changed. Expect for companies like AIG who could afford their all expense paid business trips, Wall Street continues to grind along.

Not only did the sky not fall, but Black Friday sales were up this year!

Now it’s the automakers turn to strong arm the nation. Their first trip to Washington did not go well. They were sent packing as nothing more than greedy CEO’s looking for a handout. As one leader said, “They arrived on Capital Hill in their private jets with a tin cup in their hand.” Not only did Capital Hill not buy it, but the nation has not bought the song and dance either. A recent CNN poll reveals that once again the majority of the people in the nation are against any kind of bailout. Of course the automakers are quick to say it’s not a bailout. They say they’re looking for a loan. But, if one were to check their credit report, I would say it doesn’t look good and therefore their credit rating number is rather low.

Of course we know what that means, if you have a low score, you don’t get a loan.

Do You Remember The Edsel?

When Ford put the R.I.P. sign on the Edsel did that mark the demise of the car company?

It’s amazing to think that the automakers have been around for years. Many cars have come and gone. Some good, some bad. Of course it was always the same old story - If this car goes away, it marks the end of the auto industry as we know it! - Maybe that’s a good thing. After all, the auto industry as we know it today needs a radical overhaul. It’s also amazing to think of the fact that many in the NASCAR world cried foul when Toyota entered the racing series. “How could this be!?”, many exclaimed. Something as American as NASCAR now has a foreign made car on the track? But, when you looked beyond the screaming and yelling, it’s interesting to note that the only all American made car on the track in NASCAR these days are the Toyota cars!

That’s right folks. What are known as the Big Three Automakers outsource much of their work. But, Toyota, the so-called foreign car on the track, is 100% made in America. With that in mind, maybe the so-called big three need to bring their work back home and truly support the American worker.

Chrysler Says - “We’re Taking The Economy With Us”

They show up on Capital Hill claiming hard times. They show up in their big jets with their tailor made suits saying “We’re broke.” Do they think we’re stupid? Apparently so. They also think we have a short memory. After being sent home with hat in hand and told they were silly to say they were broke, now the CEO’s say they’re broke because of how they traveled to Capital this week. Instead of using the big company jet, they used planes, trains and automobiles. Sorry guys, but you blew it the first time around. The only reason you didn’t use your company jets this time is because you went home red-faced and embarrassed the first time around.

Of course making matters even worse, now the Big Three are showing up using bully tactics too. Jim Press, the Vice Chairman of Chrysler said yesterday, “If just one of the Big Three go belly-up, it will plunge the U.S. economy into a depression.”

Give me a break!

Since their first tactic didn’t work, it appears now they’ve resorted to scare tactics. For whatever reason, we live in a world where many people use scare and fear tactics, instead of really working through the problem. The automakers did not arrive at this point over night. It’s been years of union control, bloated budgets, and overpaid CEO’s gouging not only the company, but also the public, that put them in the financial place they are now. CEO’s of the same bully companies are now saying they will work for a mere one dollar next year. Big whoop! Maybe they should give back some of the money they’ve gouged from the U.S. people and the companies. If they can afford to make just one dollar for the year, they’re obviously greatly overpaid for what they’re doing. Just what are they doing? Obviously they’re not running the companies well.

Is Bankruptcy All That Bad?

Now I know many jumped on the bankruptcy rage a few years ago to get out of a multitude of bad decisions. In many states it’s harder to file for bankruptcy, and that’s a good thing. Too many people were filing for bankruptcy simply because they over-extended themselves through dumb decisions. Bankruptcy is not to be taken lightly, it is very serious. However, in the case of what we call the Big Three Automakers, would it be a bad thing? I’m going to say, probably not. Why do I say that? Because bankruptcy forces a company to restructure and emerge on a firmer financial ground.

Now, with this in mind, lets consider what’s going on in the auto industry today.

When Capital Hill turned the auto industry down in their first hand out bid, the automakers were sent packing and told to re-tool their plan. Suddenly, instead of using private jets, the CEO’s opted for a John Candy/Steve Martin Planes, Trains and Automobiles adventure back to the Hill this week. Hopefully, Capital Hill won’t buy it. Let’s face it, if we learned anything from the AIG bailout deal, these CEO’s probably have their private jets warming up on the tarmac now.

It’s also interesting to note that two other things happened when they found out they may not get the free money. As already mentioned, the so-called poor CEO’s said they will take a salary of just one dollar for next year. But, even more amazing, the hard nosed United Auto Workers Union, the same union that has auto industry workers making an average of $70 an hour, have suddenly said they will make some concessions.

Why is the Union suddenly changing it’s mind?

The Auto Workers Union knows if the automakers file for bankruptcy, they are out the door. That’s right, when a company files for bankruptcy, and forced to re-organize, the Union disappears. Suddenly not only are some of the over-paid workers out the door, but the over paid union head pencil pushers are out the door too. Of course they’re suddenly going to try to play ball. But, don’t believe it for a second. If the bailout money comes, it will be business as usual. The only difference will be instead of only gouging the consumer on the car lot, they will be gouging the consumer through taxes too.

It’s time to put an end to all the bailout madness. The bubble of over-indulgence had to break sometime. Just like gas prices finally came down when the oil gouging bubble popped, so too will the automaker bubble break. It could be on the verge of the breaking point now. Will it topple the economy? I don’t think so. Will the economy feel some ripples? Of course. But in the end, just as old models faded away, and new models emerged, the economy, and the car industry, will roll down the highway just as usual. With any luck, it will actually emerge stronger.

Just my two cents,
Dr. Rus

‘Tis the season to be Jolly…fa la la la, la la la laaaaaaa

It’s hard to believe but we’re rapidly wrapping up another year, heading toward Christmas. Of course that’s followed by a brand new year! Yesterday I wrote about Black Friday and the rising cost of The 12 Days of Christmas gift list. What are you looking for under your tree this year? Of course as my father used to always say, “What I want, and what I get, are two different things.” Ahhhh yes, great words of wisdom from my Dad.

How many people re-gift? How many people re-card? Yes, I said re-card. Believe it or not, but some people send the same card back and forth to people, just for the sake of having fun, and saving some money. Growing up as a kid I remember saving the wrapping paper so we could re-use that, but I think this whole re-gifting and re-carding thing is getting a little out of hand.

But, what about the perfect gift for that someone special on your Christmas list. Do you need some help with a few gift suggestions?

Okay, so maybe I don’t have suggestions for the perfect gift, but how about some suggestions of stupid gifts for that someone not-so-special on your Christmas list. Stupid Dot Com just came out with their list of the 10 Stupidest Holiday Gifts for 2008. So, if you’re looking to go in a totally different direction for this holiday season, maybe you’ll find some suggestions here.

1. Screaming Rubber Chicken
2. Wealth Redistribution 2008 Holiday Ornament
3. Mini Guitar Hero
4. Potty Putter
5. Wasabi Flavored Gumballs
6. Men’s Underwear Repair Kit
7. Obama “Yes We Can” Opener
8. “How To Tie A Tie” Tie
9. 2009 Dog Poop Calendar
10. Pole Dancer Alarm Clock

Just as a side note here, for the friends of mine who read my blog, I’d rather have gift number five from the 12 Days of Christmas gift list.

Here’s a thought — How about telling me, and others, what the worst Christmas present is you’ve ever received? Go ahead, leave a comment to this post and lets have some fun!

Just my two cents,
Dr. Rus

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