It’s absolutely astonishing the profits that corporate America is now making.  Apple, Inc. has so much money on its books that it announced that it wants to move a hundred billion dollars off its balance sheet.  Attention: that was “$100 BILLION.”Newsweek reported that Apple’s CEO Tim Cook has scheduled Apple to buy back $60 billion worth of its outstanding stock.  Additionally, the other $40 billion would reflect in the form of a 15% increase in the quarterly dividend for the shareholders.  …See More

It’s absolutely astonishing the profits that corporate America is now making.  Apple, Inc. has so much money on its books that it announced that it wants to move a hundred billion dollars off its balance sheet.  Attention: that was “$100 BILLION.”Newsweek reported that Apple’s CEO Tim Cook has scheduled Apple to buy back $60 billion worth of its outstanding stock.  Additionally, the other $40 billion would reflect in the form of a 15% increase in the quarterly dividend for the shareholders.  …See More

The problem with the immigration debate now raging in the halls of congress is it is being debated based on a conventional view of the immigration issue. Immigration historically was a situation created when an alien came to the United States from a foreign land by way of some livery, usually a ship.  The alien was processed and then allowed to pursue his, or her, American Dream.  Many immigrants have made substantial contributions to America.The former immigration laws were based on that…See More

The problem with the immigration debate now raging in the halls of congress is it is being debated based on a conventional view of the immigration issue. Immigration historically was a situation created when an alien came to the United States from a foreign land by way of some livery, usually a ship.  The alien was processed and then allowed to pursue his, or her, American Dream.  Many immigrants have made substantial contributions to America.The former immigration laws were based on that…See More

The Boston Marathon bombing took place last Monday.  By the Friday night it was all over. This was great work by the FBI and local police.People who complain about the FBI and local law enforcement should be re-examining their opinions.  Our first responders and investigators did a great job of helping the wounded and collecting the evidence. Because of the first-responders, the bombing causalities were held to a minimum.  Because of the great work by the FBI and local police, the bombing…See More

The Boston Marathon bombing took place last Monday.  By the Friday night it was all over. This was great work by the FBI and local police.People who complain about the FBI and local law enforcement should be re-examining their opinions.  Our first responders and investigators did a great job of helping the wounded and collecting the evidence. Because of the first-responders, the bombing causalities were held to a minimum.  Because of the great work by the FBI and local police, the bombing…See More

A remarkable event took place on August 28, 1945.  That was the day that Branch Rickey met Jackie Robinson for the first time.  The meeting ended with a handshake between a white man and a black man sealing a promise, which in 1945 was nothing less than remarkable.The promise made by Robinson was not to start a physical fight when a racial slur was directed at him. Branch Rickey, the old Brooklyn Dodgers’ club president and general manager at the time, was serious about signing a black player. …See More

A remarkable event took place on August 28, 1945.  That was the day that Branch Rickey met Jackie Robinson for the first time.  The meeting ended with a handshake between a white man and a black man sealing a promise, which in 1945 was nothing less than remarkable.The promise made by Robinson was not to start a physical fight when a racial slur was directed at him. Branch Rickey, the old Brooklyn Dodgers’ club president and general manager at the time, was serious about signing a black player. …See More

Please note the fate that befell The Roman Empire was attributed to internal decay and its size.  The Roman Empire was spread out all over the known world, as is the U.S. of today.  Internal decay of the Empire was the result of political incompetence, military decline, and a degradation of social mores.  Does all this sound familiar?  It should.Political incompetence at the federal level of our government is reigning supreme. Congressional representatives are too busy playing the blame game. …See More

Thinking of what has happened in the banking industry has really made this curmudgeon miss the “good old days” when men were men and banks were banks.Going to the bank then was necessary, just like today, but also was fun and enjoyable.  Banks back then were really local, neighborhood financial centers where everyone knew each other.  The bank president was usually an older man or woman of good standing in the community and who had worked his or her way up through the ranks , belonged to a…See More

YAKIMA, Wash., February 24, 2013 – Here’s something to think about.  Our power company, Pacific Power is asking for a rate increase of 14% for all customers.  That in its self isn’t bad unless you consider it in the context of the last ten years. Since 2003 Pacific Power’s rates have increased 85%.  If they are awarded this increase, the cost of electricity will have double over the last ten years.   This curmudgeon takes exception to this rate request.  And, here’s why.Way back in the 1950s…See More

The day of courtly love is almost upon us.  Attention everyone, Thursday next is Valentine’s Day.  It’s the day one shows a loved one their place in one’s heart by giving a token of their affection. It doesn’t have to be much—a box of candy, a piece of jewelry, or a nice dinner out. Whatever demonstrates your feeling is more than appropriate.  For a curmudgeon like me just to go shopping is maddening all by itself.  There is a bewildering amount of in-store sales, half-off on diamonds (which I…See More

The day of courtly love is almost upon us.  Attention everyone, Thursday next is Valentine’s Day.  It’s the day one shows a loved one their place in one’s heart by giving a token of their affection. It doesn’t have to be much—a box of candy, a piece of jewelry, or a nice dinner out. Whatever demonstrates your feeling is more than appropriate.  For a curmudgeon like me just to go shopping is maddening all by itself.  There is a bewildering amount of in-store sales, half-off on diamonds (which I…See More