Friday, September 05, 2008 Prison Break: tube encourages good behavior! POST A COMMENT 'Don't think prisons when I think about that argument against a digital-divide-inequality in America -- (making sure we have an equal playing field for folks locked-in-poverty, as well as those born with a silver spoon in their mouth)... So, when I read about TVs big switch over to a digital format (dumping analog) locks out prisons: 'the nation's broadcasters make the switch from analog to digital signals next Feb. 17, televisions that aren't hooked up to cable, satellite or a converter box will be reduced to static...' I pull out the worlds smallest violin to I listen to prisoners cry "waaaah, I can't watch America Idol..." 'While TV might seem like an undeserved luxury for inmates, prison officials and inmates say the tube does more than fill year after year of idle hours - it provides a sense of normalcy and is a bargaining chip that encourages good behavior.' I don't know about you, but I don't think missing out on getting HBO qualifies as cruel and unusual punishment. Like this video shows, prisoners have bigger issues -- like not dropping the soap: Source: CBS News Labels: economy, net neutrality, News Trends, rich and poor divide posted by Henry Cruz at 1:16 PM Tuesday, September 02, 2008 Got nothing to wear... POST A COMMENT "It's like the back-to-school season never happened," says the NY Post. Talking how retailers -- (especially clothing companies) -- have called this year the worst in recent years. 'Just not the best time to be in the clothing business: 'On one end, you have working families forced to skip discretionary items like clothing... 'And those that can spend on big ticket items just aren't -- fearing they might appear like they're flaunting their excess wealth. Leaving everybody feeling like they have nothing to wear. You have a whole Lotta folks feeling stuck in middle -- trapped in a vicious cycle. In part, because of the rising inequality of the super-wealthy... They keep working and working only to feel like they are not getting anywhere. 'Which causes people to work more and more...'just to keep up in an economy increasingly dominated by status goods. Getting back little in return, scratching their heads -- still wondering why they have nothing to wear. Source: NY Post Labels: Business-101, Clothes, economy, rich and poor divide posted by Henry Cruz at 10:48 PM Wednesday, August 13, 2008 Melting Pot, USA POST A COMMENT Watching the Olympics coverage started a conversation on how diversity benefits the U.S. teams. I grew up in New York City...'so, I might be a bit spoiled by that melting pot theme. But, join me in being the forever-optimist and seeing the good in this New-York-microcosm trickling down-south. And how this will be even better for the Team USA of the future -- 'cause sorta like the six million dollar man, we'll get the best of all worlds in one place...and kick some major butt -- (seems to work just fine here in New York). "The white population, I wouldn't say is fading into the background, but it is becoming the older, less fertile part of the population," offers CBS news. Consider this: 10 percent of Americas population still control 70 percent of our countries wealth...it's pretty clear who really wears the clout in this country -- (the rest of us are just here to clean up the mess...I mean look at who they shipped out to Iraq; 'don't think too many rich folks ever even heard the words "basic training"). "Whites still make up 66 percent of the population. But their numbers have grown only two percent since 2000, compared to eight percent for blacks, 29 percent for Hispanics and 26 percent for Asians." In that same report it was suggested that such change in a community could have a "train wreck" effect -- really, I couldn't disagree more. Worse case scenario: we might all need to learn to sing the star spangled banner in English, Spanish, Chinese, and maybe French -- (Gaaak, well hopefully not french)... 'what's the big-whoop? Source: CBS News Labels: Business-101, latino watch, News Trends, Olympics, Poverty Divide, race relations, rich and poor divide posted by Henry Cruz at 10:09 PM Sunday, August 10, 2008 U.S. plan they don't want us to hear about POST A COMMENT It's been called the digital "national embarrassment" -- how other nations' residents have high-speed at home, while the U.S. numbers keep slipping; An FCC proposal, on the table this month, hopes to "boost U.S. competitiveness by giving each household (Free) high-speed Web access..." however, the duopoloy wants to stop it. It sounds like a no-brainer: With more and more businesses shifting towards the web, such a huge-digital-divide can definitely effect how good -- (or how badly) -- the future U.S. economy performs on that bigger global arena... FCC chairman's Kevin J. Martin free-high-speed plug votes this month -- basically says "any household in the country -- (would be able to) -- cruise the Net at broadband speeds, at absolutely no cost." Says Business Week. "But his idea faces heated opposition from companies such as AT&T that worry their profits will be threatened by a free alternative." The facts: "Only 60% of American households have speedy Net access). And that huge gap " puts the country in 15th place among developed nations..." -- a huge drop from 2001 when the U.S. ranked fourth. The plan: "create incentives for private companies to roll out more broadband..." much like basic Television, it could "make money by selling advertising and advanced services." --(with a premium no-ad option for those that can afford to pay more). Just think, a free web model could actually create more competition to get an even faster web out there, and help those helpless resentful-ignorant people -- (who don't get high-speed) -- so, we'd all actually be on the same high-speed-playing field... 'and then we'd all be able to watch Ceasar and Chuy talk about Amy Winehouse --('in the end doesn't it sounds like a win-win-win for all?): Source: Business Week Labels: Business-101, ceasar and chuy, freeconomics, net neutrality, News Trends, Poverty Divide, rich and poor divide, web trends posted by Henry Cruz at 4:01 AM Friday, August 08, 2008 An Inconvenient Housing Twist POST A COMMENT "Eat all your food," my Mom would say when I was little. "And be lucky, because there are starving kids in Africa." -- which was her way of pointing out, as poor as we were, others had it much worse. Which is what came to mind when reading about the "real-estate bust" - See if you can follow this one: Chronic homelessness has actually dropped 30 percent, a new report says. But now family homelessness is on the rise. It seems the foreclosure mess had an unexpected twist in that we will see more available "housing for the homeless." -- with a sour note for for families who just lost their homes... Because - "foreclosure crisis pushes some low income families into shelters, chronic homeless rates are shrinking thanks in part to the foreclosed and vacant buildings social-service agencies can now afford to buy." Seems more nonprofits are turning those homes and "seized apartment buildings and run-down motels" into places "with access to addiction treatment and health care." -- so, people now getting kicked outta their homes might have more places to crash...but, it will actually be other-peoples-reconverted-foreclosed-homes we are using to house them...'confused yet? "Historically, economic downturns are good for the homeless," points out Newsweek. "just as booms tend to be bad. During the 1990s, despite record spending and increases in shelter beds under the Clinton administration, homeless rates jumped 50 percent." Doesn't it sounds like a Real Estate Catch-22? -- Because in a strong economy -- and in turn -- a stronger real estate market -- wouldn't it actually make it harder to house our homeless? Source: Newsweek Labels: An Inconvenient Truth, Business-101, capitalism, Poverty Divide, Real Estate, rich and poor divide posted by Henry Cruz at 1:04 PM Thursday, August 07, 2008 Let the terrors...Beijing? POST A COMMENT They built it, so what. I'm ready to admit my interest in the spectacles of the Summer Olympics - (Yeah, Rah-rah-rah, Go USA!! -- and all that good stuff)... However, the Athletes doing their twirls -- going around and around in circles... ( ** big Yawn) ...that's all background fodder. Nobody cares about the shiny new stadium, or the neatly swept up streets...I live for the real life drama...like why director Steven Spielberg really withdraw as an adviser to the ceremonies...'yum, yum, gimme some of that. I'm Sure China designed everything to leave this wonderful impression for the world watching... But like watching the end of the movie the "Wizard of Oz" aren't we really waiting for a peek behind the red curtain... After reading about China's addictions to oil and ties to death in Dafur -- (loaded with all these human-rights injustices) -- How could any decent person focus on swimming relays? Don't you want to know about the lack of freedom of the press, and lack of freedom of expression...?? Its more like watching your-morbidly obese-good-girl-friend-graze on carrot sticks...sure, behind her back you nod sadly and pity her... but, we all know there's food stash of bad calories hiding in some closet calling her name at night...unless you buy into that big-boned or bad genes theory... The real sport in these Olympics will be hoping we get to see some dirty laundry aired...to lay witness to a train wreck over a bridge of really troubled waters...I'll be there with my tub of popcorn....Hoping someone will save the day....I'd be really juice to see Batman swoop in and save the day -- (but stuff like that only happens in the movies): Labels: Beijing, China, economy, ho-tackular, Olympics, race relations, receptions, rich and poor divide, USA posted by Henry Cruz at 5:22 AM Tuesday, August 05, 2008 Finally the rich join our nation of whiners POST A COMMENT Sen. Phil Gramms' mental recession can add a bunch of wealthy folks to that "nation of whiners." Yep, even those swimming in cash have been tightening their Gucci-belts. Before you go out and call the tiny violins...'or clap your hands 'bout that rampant consumption in our culture coming to a end... 'let me point out the how the "upper-crust thriftiness could reverberate across the economy..." Because - "The 10 percent of households with the highest incomes account for nearly a quarter of all spending..." We kinda do really need the rich flaunting their cash -- (Like one big tail gate party of rich folks 'out-doing-the-Jones...how 'bout a keep on-honkin' for Prada and Gucci Bags). On most days I'd be first on that line to argue the imbalances -- and why only a small percent of the population can actually afford to spend right now -- the point here is that imbalance "gives the wealthy immense economic clout" -- and not spending in the already slumping economy...well... Let's toss out there another couple of nuggets to chew on: "Consumer spending makes up 70 percent of gross domestic product...and that "economic activity...creates (new) jobs" Soooo, we don't need to hear right now that rich people are -- "seeking the best deals" rather than the "over-the-top extravagances that's expected!" Or we really don't need to hear that "Luxury spending fell 4 percent last year, and this year's decline is expected to be steeper, particularly for luxury handbags and clothing that don't hold value" Don't the rich people know Phil Gramm was talking about poor slobs like us when he was talking about mental problems...don't be insane. If you're one of the 10 percent with all that available cash on hand get over your whining and go out and buy one of them luxury gas-guzzling HUMMER SUVs...and hell, why not go out for a nice loooong drive...'go on and make Phil Gramm proud again. Source: Denver Post Labels: economy, News Trends, Poverty Divide, race relations, rich and poor divide posted by Henry Cruz at 1:41 AM Monday, August 04, 2008 Don't call 'em "Whole-Pay-Check" POST A COMMENT A couple of years back I had a friend over -- complaining as usual about his job -- and then he spotted my Whole Foods shopping bags laying out in the kitchen. "Oh man, you shop at whole-pay-check?" He says with a touch of disdain. "Only 'rich people shop there." -- Whole-Pay-Check, is what people have labeled the upscale market, -- meaning "shop at Whole Foods...'you'd better expect to spend your Whole-weekly-Paycheck there." I remember I got a tinge of being "too uppity," for wanting quality foods...hey, it was really hard at the time to get fresh fruits and veggies....so, I especially understood the recent NY Times article outlining -- in these tough times -- Whole Foods needs to remake itself: "convincing people that Whole Foods Market can be an economical place to shop." -- Um, Yeah, good luck with that one. "The company was once a Wall Street darling, but its sales growth was cooling even before the economy turned. Since peaking at the beginning of 2006, its stock has dropped more than 70 percent." “I came for something else one day and was shocked to find the meat on sale, so I bought it and put it in the freezer,” adds one customer. I'll be checking them out again this week to monitor the price changes, and see if I come home with at least half my paycheck -- (and I'll write a follow up here). A-Real estate side bar -- 'interesting thing about having a Whole Foods Market open up near you -- I learned watching HGTV -- are property values goes up. Mainly because whole foods will smartly only open up in college-friendly and areas where the average income and education level skews higher than the norm... I know when I buy my new place...it's gonna be near a whole foods so, it'll hold that resale value -- (assuming they can keep their asses in business long enough). Check out this Whole Foods video -- "inviting customers to show up for budget-focused store tours..." Source: NY Times Labels: economy, green living, Healthy Foods, News Trends, Obesity, Poverty Divide, rich and poor divide, Well-Balanced Life, Whole Foods posted by Henry Cruz at 1:35 PM Thursday, July 31, 2008 College Students on Food Stamps POST A COMMENT When I think back to my 20's and working my way through college with a part time job...(* sighs) I do remember learning to stretch each dollar...'doing more with less. And yeah, even going hungry a few times. 'but thankfully, it never got so bad that I would imagine ever forming a Facebook group called "I Ain't Afraid to be on Food Stamps." - so, times have changed. With inflation fears mounting -- due in large part to the crippled housing market; 'we can expect to see growing gas prices & food costs... 'Even heard last night on ABC's Nightline that even 'rich-folks -- with plenty of available cash on hand -- are not spending right now. So much for that theory of trickle-down economics that says if you give Tax breaks to the rich they'll keep spending to grow the economy. Seems everybody's cutting their spending bracing for the worst-yet-to-come-ahead. So not so crazy to read "with things the way they are, a lot of students just can't afford to eat," reports the Gainesville Gardian. And they are lining up to local food banks just to get something to eat. "There is a stereotype that well, if they're in college, they can afford to eat," said a food pantry director. "But there are some - (college) - students who have hardly any disposable income, and because of that, the food budget suffers. They either eat really badly, or they just don't eat enough." I want to say learning to do more with less helps build character --for the generation ahead -- but, it's really hard to listen to any rosy theories on a empty stomach. Source: Gainesville Guardian Labels: College Students, economy, Facebook, Food Banks, Poverty Divide, rich and poor divide posted by Henry Cruz at 12:20 PM Sunday, July 20, 2008 Will Outsourcing become the bogeyman? POST A COMMENT As we see more small businesses shift toward Globalization -- (thanks to the Internet) -- those smaller Mom-and-Pop Multinationals gotta deal with that sticky question of outsourcing work to stay afloat - (meaning sending jobs outside the US)... 'especially true online, with a need to stay competitive and resulting in a better bottom line with "savings for customers and any shareholders." As reported in Business Week recently: Lower wages are not the only motivating factor..."the performance of the provider on quality...is much higher than here in the US." Small businesses -- "from car dealers to advertising agencies are finding it easier to farm out software development, accounting, support services, and design work to distant lands...Sites such as Guru.com, Brickwork India, DoMyStuff.com, and RentACoder also report fast growth." Hmmm, sounds like the world will live as one after all. Source: Business Week Labels: brain-power, Business-101, capitalism, co-create, Outsourcing, rich and poor divide, web trends, Wiki-way posted by Henry Cruz at 4:04 PM Sunday, June 08, 2008 The upside to a Parade POST A COMMENT Where I'm from it's an unspoken-whisper-among-friends that any parades down Fifth Avenue here in the Big Apple -- (where folks get the privilege to sweat for hours behind a barrier to watch Mickey Mouse floats crawl by) -- were designed especially for two-year-old-kids, and folks that enjoy long rides in those short-yellow-buses - - (but, like a car wreck that you can't turn away from, I do find myself watching some of them on the TV -- using my fast forward button, while noting the faces of badly-dressed-people-with-way-too-much-time-on-their-hands). Seems, I'm not the only one whispering...apparently frightened "moneyed white people" -- and nearby shops -- along Fifth Avenue were doing some chatting amongst themselves: "They tell you the day before—they whisper it—‘Don’t come tomorrow,’ a well-heeled regular says. "The clientele starts clucking a few days beforehand, 'This weekend, you know … ’ We live in divided-times, where the richest 1 percent of Americans own 35 percent of all the assets, but there lies the upside to all retards marching down fifth...well, for at least one day...we get the allusion of sharing the same air. Source: Gawker Labels: Culture, Puerto Rican Day Parade, race relations, rich and poor divide posted by Henry Cruz at 3:25 PM Friday, May 09, 2008 Don't drop the Soap...(no really) POST A COMMENT Gotta say up front, we should put all street dealers out of business by legalizing every drug out there - (and then the government could benefit by taxing it)...'Seriously doubt those "pill popping wives" getting legal prescriptions get a much different high then tokes of stuff that grows in the ground....'cept the fact that prescription companies are raking in boatloads of cash medicating Americans. 'Love me: operation sudden fall....or any story that deals with other folk's pain (especially if they are stupid people). Like that Frat Drug - bust...Yeah, gotta admit, I was giggling like a little school girl. At the sheer balls and knuckle-head factor of Frat Boys dealing out in the public....'they gonna love them asses in jail...esp. the one on the right (he'll be somebodies wifey, for sure). This part killed me: Members of "Theta Chi sent out a mass text message to his "faithful customers" stating that he and his "associates" would be unable to sell cocaine while they were in Las Vegas over one weekend, according to the DEA. The text promoted a cocaine "sale" and listed the reduced prices." But, because the dealers in this case were mostly white males, they'll probably end up doing very little time. Then again, in my perfect little world, nobody would do time for such victimless crimes. Labels: drug bust, race relations, rich and poor divide posted by Henry Cruz at 2:23 PM Monday, May 05, 2008 Poor Comic Treatment POST A COMMENT Let me say upfront, I'm not into "sociopolitical comic strips" - (got a message, save it, and ..."go cry to Oprah") - that preachy, hit-me-over-the-head-with-a-message - it's just not fun, and rarely funny -- 'least if you're gonna wave a finger at me for all the wrongs in the world, for Gods-sake, at the very least, make me laugh...Bodega Avenue comes close - I smiled a few times, (so, I'll give them a pass for the preachy-undertones in that comic strip). but, I find my sensibilities do align, especially when talking about the "haves" and "have-nots" - if that makes any sense. It's like that motto, kill them with kindness; there's gotta be a "fun" way to make people listen to important issues - like the effects of gentrification in Brooklyn - without sounding like a crybaby...or getting on a soapbox...or, sounding like a liberal asswipe (that hugs...g'aak, trees). How 'bout, kill them with humor? Kill them with entertainment? Like my Momma used to do when she wanted me to take my medicine, she'd wrap it in something I can stomach... There's little doubt, that income for the bottom half of American households are worse than ever...'while income for the top one percent skyrockets - (by 228 percent according to the book, "The Big Squeeze"). The rich get richer, the poor get kicked out...yeah, see what I mean...I'm zoning already (putting my own self to sleep). I got nothing. I'm gonna go out and Make Momma proud, by drowning my sorrows in some happy juice. Source: CBS News, Bodega Avenue Labels: Bodega Avenue, Comic strips online, race relations, rich and poor divide posted by Henry Cruz at 1:18 AM     ARCHIVES October 2005 . November 2005 . December 2005 . August 2007 . September 2007 . October 2007 . November 2007 . December 2007 . March 2008 . April 2008 . May 2008 . June 2008 . July 2008 . August 2008 . September 2008 .