November 8th, 2010
Posted by Jim Warner
Top 10 cities for Job Growth
I caught this article in Newsweek today. I always love it when one of these top ten lists come out because it does sometimes spur the mind to wonder “what if”.
Just as it was in Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath”, economic downturn such as the one we are experiencing can spur a migration of the masses looking for opportunity far and wide.
It was not that long ago that places like Phoenix, Las Vegas, Seattle and others were headlining the top 10 list of economic wonderlands. Now the folks who make up these lists have moved on to fete the the more recent crop of economic darlings.
So go ahead, read with envy about these up and comers, but think carefully about making the move to places like Oklahoma City. It may be cheaper and there may even be a job opening calling your name, but in the end you still wake up everyday in Oklahoma City.
There are some real winners on the list too, Like Salt Lake City or Austin, but before you make a run for it, think maybe about how you can help improve on things where you are currently instead of being lured by the siren song of opportunity elsewhere. There’s a compelling case being made for some to make a move, but much like the sailors of old, if you’re not careful, you could end up on the rocks.
From the article…
“Like a massive tornado, the Great Recession up-ended the topography of America. But even as vast parts of the country were laid low, some cities withstood the storm and could emerge even stronger and shinier than before. So, where exactly are these Oz-like destinations along the road to recovery? If you said Kansas, you’re not far off. Try Oklahoma. Or Texas. Or Iowa. Not only did the economic twister of the last two years largely spare Tornado Alley, it actually may have helped improve the landscape.”
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November 4th, 2010
Posted by Jim Warner
After what has been a grueling campaign season full of negativity and distortions by everyone involved, my take away from the outcome of the 2010 election cycle is this… The voters and particularly the Tea Party movement in it’s purest form, seem to finally be saying they have had enough.
Whether one camps on the Right or the Left or somewhere in between, it had to be distressing to see the newly elected leadership come out swinging the day after the elections. No hint of leadership or bridge building to move us forward as a country, just in-your-face partisanship right out the gate!
There is an urgency needed in getting back to “The people’s Business” and I can even understand wanting to grab the high ground rather than dally in niceties. However, to me it was repugnant that the first priority articulated by the GOP leadership was regaining control of the White house by ensuring the failure of this Presidency.
Why has it come to this? Why does it have to be all about the party and the acquisition of power as opposed to the thoughtful use of power.
For the most part I avoid using this space to advance my own political viewpoint. I’m not here to change anyone’s mind or argue their politics… to each his or her own. However, in the interest of common ground and advancing the interests of America as a whole, I do offer a suggestion to the President to push back on the tides of partisanship by pursuing a singular, all hands on deck approach to governing for the next two years.
Focus every bit of attention and political capital on one, clearly defined objective… Reduce the national Debt and the Deficit by all possible means. It will hurt, it will cause much gnashing of teeth and it will in all likelihood lead to a single term in office. but in the long run it will create a legacy worthy of the office and in the short run, it will expose those who are putting their special and personal interests above those of the people and the nation as a whole.
This must be done for the sake of the country. I believe that the forces are arrayed against this president for all the wrong reasons and the battle is being cast as one of ideology over substance. Perhaps it would be better to go down on principle than be taken down by the type of lies and distortions on both sides, that characterized this election.
Here is the short list of things that will chart the course the voters advocated with integrity and purpose…
Let the tax breaks expire for all income levels. That was the GOP approved plan 10 years ago and they should own it now. Propose a graduated flat tax.
Cancel all tax expenditures and special interest loopholes across the board. Level the playing field.
Limit the Home Mortgage Interest Deduction to the first $300,000 of initial purchase price and discontinue the capital gains tax on the sale of a primary residence.
Cut all program and department budgets by 5% across the board
Raise the retirement age for Social Security to 67 and allow for penalty free withdrawl of tax deferred savings beginning at age 50
Add a nationwide VAT to re-fund the Social Security Trust Fund that has been depleted
Let the new congress modify the health care reform, insurance and financial regulation package any way they see fit and make them own the outcome. Offer to bring home some or all of the troops from all over the world and make the GOP led congress own the decision to stay put.
It’s time to quit trying to massage the issues and be all things to all people. The one thing that will benefit everyone long term is reduction of the deficit and the national debt, period.
Call the bluff or implement the mandate… whichever it is. Time to call a spade a spade. Seize the moment. Set the Agenda. Lead!
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October 6th, 2010
Posted by Jim Warner
Craig Ferguson – Melt with you
As the Late night wars begin to heat up with the return of Conan O’Brien next month, let us not forget the currents who are keeping the laughter going. Now that’s Entertainment!!!
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July 9th, 2010
Posted by Jim Warner
CNN News posted an interactive map on their website that tracks the progress of the economy since 2007 on a state by state basis. The map shows where the jobs are, which states are gaining employment and which are losing ground. You can visit the Map Here. It’s an eye opening visual that shows how the economy is progressing in your neck of the woods.
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June 26th, 2010
Posted by Jim Warner
- Paul Werner (left) and Brother Sam
One of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet is Paul Werner. Paul, aka zagfan08, is a 20 year old Gonzaga University Sophmore from Edmonds, WA who defied all odds in the KJR “Bigger Dance” contest and was atop the leader board in both the Bracketts and Sports Book componenets of the Contest as it wound down in May. This feat was so unlikely that the radio station even had Paul on the air to talk about just how uncannily accurate his prognostications were. The Grand prize for winning this contest is an all expense paid trip to any sporting event in the world.
Had Werner been declared the winner, he was all set to attend the World cup in South Africa with his brother Sam, who just graduated from Meadowdale High School (there are many who contend that Sam Werner is the nicest guy you’ll ever meet).
Unfortunately, the rules of the contest required contestants to be 21 years old as of April 15, 2010 and thus even though Paul ended up being the clear winner of the brackets, he was disqualified without fanfare, commentary or consolation. Stricken from the records and altogether forgotten by the crew at KJR who had only days before sung his praises and heralded him as a Handicapping phenom.
Paul takes it in stride. He never tried to hide his age and counted on another contest rule that allowed KJR to change the rules at their discretion to perhaps pull him through on the strength of his overall performance. His only regret is that the folks at KJR never took the time or showed him the courtesy of notifying him personally of his disqulaification. After all the fanfare and publicity he had hoped to at least hear from the station when they made their final decision. Instead, Werner was unceremoniously denied without explanation. Much like the disallowed goal in the World Cup game against Slovenia that he had hoped to be at.
Paul was quick to wish eventual winner Gabe Bauer all the best and Looking ahead like all good Zag fans, Paul is confident he’ll be back on top next year. Bring it on!
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