Here's to another year!
Wishing you and your families all the best in 2013!
Showing posts with label 2012. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2012. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
Monday, December 17, 2012
Newtown, CT School Shooting - Remember the Victims (12/14/2012)
As tragic and as heartbreaking as what happened in Connecticut on Friday was, I am baffled by some people's response that gun control is the answer. As long as the world has been, there has always been evil. There has always been mentally disturbed individuals, individuals with a twisted outlook on life and those who they view as responsible for what has happened to them. Individuals who are selfish, spiritually with no guidance or accountability to other human beings or a sense of morals. This is devastating to me that we, as a society, would glorify these individuals by parading them across our T.V.s and news feeds and then that we would blame the guns and wonder "How could this happen?"
When a drunk driver goes the wrong way on the highway and kills a dozen people, we do not turn around and try to take away every one's right to drive or own a car. We punish that individual. We grieve for the lives lost and families suffering, those who can send money to help with funeral costs or volunteer with charities who raise awareness of the severity of driving under the influence and what can happen when we act selfishly. It would be ridiculous to blame the car or all drivers because of the minority of people who only think of themselves and become murderers.
Let us stay focused on the victims.
Let us not be blinded by our pain and shock into believing that this can solved by stripping away our Constitutional right to gun ownership and the right to protect ourselves.
You can click here to read about where to send donations to as well as a number for those who would like to volunteer. You can also go directly to the Newtown Parent Connection, Inc. site and make donations there as well as see about trauma support sessions for those in the Newtown area.
You can participate in honoring the victims today by wearing blue and yellow/gold in their memory.
As always, thank you for reading.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
Find out more information, donate, or find a Making Strides Walk near you by clicking the link below:
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Response to Yahoo Article: "CEO to Workers: I May Fire You if Obama Wins"
There is an article on Yahoo today about CEO David Siegel, (the owner of Westgate Resorts), stating that he will probably have to lay off many workers and possibly even shut down his company if Obama is reelected and taxes raised.
For those who aren't familiar with the story you can read it here.
The article brings up the true point that David Siegel is NOT the best person to speak on managing money well or not overspending simply based on his history and extravagance. However, he is 100% right with his prediction. A company cannot survive being taxed to death and the email he sent is excellent! Although I don't agree with the part of his email that seems slightly whiny over how he eats, breathes, and dreams about the company, The average person is not going to feel bad for him. I can see why he felt it necessary to include it, to show his dedication and heart in the company but that's a sacrifice he makes to be where he is at and I'm sure the perks outweigh the benefits or he wouldn't be doing it. No one would. In spite of that portion, his email was dead on.
I'm happy to see this article! This is one of many companies in danger! Thousands of many who will lose their jobs. It's not just about free health care and making the rich pay a bigger share - you can't tax the rich to death and you can't expect the economy to NOT be affected. If businesses can't survive, workers can't survive, families can't survive. Think about the America you're leaving for your children.
I'm tired of so many people being mindless sheep to the slaughter when it comes to choosing leaders. WE GET TO CHOOSE OUR LEADERS. Do not take it lightly, many people do not have that option!
Personally, I do not like Romney but I like him better than Obama. I am wise enough to have researched what Obama believes and does and plans to do and who he accepts money from to the point that I know he is not the right man to lead our country.
I wish that everyone would make an educated voting decision based on what is best for the country as a whole. Based on what is best for the businesses of the country and the future generations. Perhaps I'm being too idealistic but I truly believe people can make a difference. Every vote counts and we can fix the economy.
Do not base your vote on one or two things, but educate yourself on both candidates and make the best decision for our country.
For those who aren't familiar with the story you can read it here.
The article brings up the true point that David Siegel is NOT the best person to speak on managing money well or not overspending simply based on his history and extravagance. However, he is 100% right with his prediction. A company cannot survive being taxed to death and the email he sent is excellent! Although I don't agree with the part of his email that seems slightly whiny over how he eats, breathes, and dreams about the company, The average person is not going to feel bad for him. I can see why he felt it necessary to include it, to show his dedication and heart in the company but that's a sacrifice he makes to be where he is at and I'm sure the perks outweigh the benefits or he wouldn't be doing it. No one would. In spite of that portion, his email was dead on.
I'm happy to see this article! This is one of many companies in danger! Thousands of many who will lose their jobs. It's not just about free health care and making the rich pay a bigger share - you can't tax the rich to death and you can't expect the economy to NOT be affected. If businesses can't survive, workers can't survive, families can't survive. Think about the America you're leaving for your children.
I'm tired of so many people being mindless sheep to the slaughter when it comes to choosing leaders. WE GET TO CHOOSE OUR LEADERS. Do not take it lightly, many people do not have that option!
Personally, I do not like Romney but I like him better than Obama. I am wise enough to have researched what Obama believes and does and plans to do and who he accepts money from to the point that I know he is not the right man to lead our country.
I wish that everyone would make an educated voting decision based on what is best for the country as a whole. Based on what is best for the businesses of the country and the future generations. Perhaps I'm being too idealistic but I truly believe people can make a difference. Every vote counts and we can fix the economy.
Do not base your vote on one or two things, but educate yourself on both candidates and make the best decision for our country.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
I Still Believe in New Discoveries
It's amazing to me how many people don't care about something until it happens to them. Personally, I believe that everyone should be involved in something they are passionate about! Something they care about. Something for others. Something that can make a difference, even if it's only to one other person.
My friends and family know how important Diabetes research and funding are to me. I am hopeful that together we can make a difference and discover a cure in my lifetime! I care, not just because this disease runs in my family, but because Diabetes is more deadly than Breast Cancer and AIDS combined. This is a scary disease but knowledge is power. If we can get information into as many hands as possible maybe it will become less scary. Knowledge about advancements in research and how to manage it and live a long, successful life. I want every American to have that chance.
Every 17 seconds someone like me and you is diagnosed with Diabetes. Please help me by donating today.
Whether it's $5 or $100, you can get involved!
Please follow the link below to read my story and make a donation to the American Diabetes Association:
http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/Events/General?px=5227937&pg=personal&fr_id=8373&s_src=signature&s_subsrc=step2012
My friends and family know how important Diabetes research and funding are to me. I am hopeful that together we can make a difference and discover a cure in my lifetime! I care, not just because this disease runs in my family, but because Diabetes is more deadly than Breast Cancer and AIDS combined. This is a scary disease but knowledge is power. If we can get information into as many hands as possible maybe it will become less scary. Knowledge about advancements in research and how to manage it and live a long, successful life. I want every American to have that chance.
Every 17 seconds someone like me and you is diagnosed with Diabetes. Please help me by donating today.
Whether it's $5 or $100, you can get involved!
Please follow the link below to read my story and make a donation to the American Diabetes Association:
http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/Events/General?px=5227937&pg=personal&fr_id=8373&s_src=signature&s_subsrc=step2012
Thursday, July 12, 2012
2012 ADA Walk for a Cure!
It's that time of year again!! I am so excited to have been a part of all
the strides that have been made since I first became an advocate in 2010. THANK
YOU to all those who have supported in the past by walking and/or donating!! I appreciate it so much! Every little bit helps in the fight! Raising
awareness is so important! Not only is diabetes a life-altering disease, it is
a life-threatening disease as well. Diabetes is more deadly than breast cancer and AIDS combined! That is huge! But we can ALL get involved in some way.
Please support me this year as I join others on September 23rd, 2012 to walk for a cure! All proceeds go to diabetes research. Thanks in advance for your help!
Click here to partner with me in the 2012 ADA Step Out: http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR?px=5227937&pg=personal&fr_id=8373&et=JQe_q0NkKXHzxoyn2seZJg
Please support me this year as I join others on September 23rd, 2012 to walk for a cure! All proceeds go to diabetes research. Thanks in advance for your help!
Click here to partner with me in the 2012 ADA Step Out: http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR?px=5227937&pg=personal&fr_id=8373&et=JQe_q0NkKXHzxoyn2seZJg
Thursday, June 21, 2012
#6
As a last entry in my series of posts to the 2012 grads, I want to share some of the best advice I
have ever come across. Those faithful readers who have also read my "Blogger Profile" will recognize them. But for those just tuning in, I hope you can use them.
In a few years I expect you will have learned and come across plenty of your own, so feel free to share yours with those around you as well! To my brother who inspired this seriers with his own high school graduation this year, I love you and good luck with whatever you choose to do with your life!!
In a few years I expect you will have learned and come across plenty of your own, so feel free to share yours with those around you as well! To my brother who inspired this seriers with his own high school graduation this year, I love you and good luck with whatever you choose to do with your life!!
º Give people more than they expect and do
it cheerfully.
º Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
º Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
º When you say, "I love you," mean it.
º When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.
º In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
º Talk slowly but think quickly.
º When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
º Spend some time alone.
º Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
º Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
º When you say, "I love you," mean it.
º When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.
º In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
º Talk slowly but think quickly.
º When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
º Spend some time alone.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
#5 Recognize Good and Evil, and Know What You Want
Not every person at college will have the right mindset
or goals or even be there because they want to be. Manipulation and split personalities are trained
skills. Not easily detected, but there are red flags. If a girl does not have a
lot of girl friends, it means other girls don’t like her and there’s probably a
good reason for that. If a is a senior and interested in you, don’t be
flattered, there’s probably a good reason they're dipping into the Freshman pool. Desperate or a player. Be with someone you genuinely love to be around,
someone smart and witty not someone who will go along with everything you say
or do. Someone who takes care of themself and will
take care of you too. Someone you are comfortable
talking to about anything. You want
someone not afraid to say exactly what they want and feel. Fighting is normal,
it’s passion and as long as you’re both still talking, even fighting, and there’s
communication, it means there’s still caring and feelings. Don’t shut down on
someone you love. If you have to walk away for a minute that’s different, that’s
mature, but don’t shut them out completely.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
#4 Enjoy Every Moment
In part I am jealous of everyone graduating. You get to go to a new place, be surrounded by people your own age with the same enthusiasm and excitement for whatever life has. The mindset that you’re in control and that, “you have the world at your feet”. Hang onto that feeling as long as you can. This is an exciting time and you don’t want to get so serious that you lose that. Yes, obviously you’re there to learn, but learning is not hard. With a little effort and time, it’s basically memorization on speed. Retain as much as you can, learn as much as you can, take opportunities for extra credit but take time to break away and enjoy where you are and the new friends you will make.
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
A Couple Website Suggestions
Recently I added two new websites to my "Favorite Sites" list on my sidebar, (scroll down the left side of "My Bubble" to see the list), and I wanted to take a second to tell you about them.
The first is "What I Think You Should Know". It's a new blog, really new in fact, as in last week new. The writer has a few posts up there that are worth a read but what is really different is that he has pages on the blog. These are tabs along the top with headers for a finances section and a travel section as well as the main home tab. Check it out when you can and be sure to leave some feedback for the new blogger. :)
The second is the "Calorie Count" site. This has been featured on "The Today Show" as well as "SELF" magazine, so it isn't new to the web, just me. What's great about this fitness tool is that not only is it free, but also you don't have to sign up for the site or anything else to use it! If you scroll to the bottom there is a "Browse Foods" header where you can search by category. It is awesome!! I see myself using it every day. A couple other really neat things it offers are the recipe and activities section. The activities section has estimated calories burned for everything from kneeling and praying to bicycling! I have never seen a site that has such a wide range of possible activities. Definitely check it out!! If you are a beginner to calorie counting or have been doing it for years, if this site is new to you, I guarantee you will find something beneficial!
As always, thanks for stopping by and I hope one of these recommendations becomes a favorite of yours too!
The first is "What I Think You Should Know". It's a new blog, really new in fact, as in last week new. The writer has a few posts up there that are worth a read but what is really different is that he has pages on the blog. These are tabs along the top with headers for a finances section and a travel section as well as the main home tab. Check it out when you can and be sure to leave some feedback for the new blogger. :)
The second is the "Calorie Count" site. This has been featured on "The Today Show" as well as "SELF" magazine, so it isn't new to the web, just me. What's great about this fitness tool is that not only is it free, but also you don't have to sign up for the site or anything else to use it! If you scroll to the bottom there is a "Browse Foods" header where you can search by category. It is awesome!! I see myself using it every day. A couple other really neat things it offers are the recipe and activities section. The activities section has estimated calories burned for everything from kneeling and praying to bicycling! I have never seen a site that has such a wide range of possible activities. Definitely check it out!! If you are a beginner to calorie counting or have been doing it for years, if this site is new to you, I guarantee you will find something beneficial!
As always, thanks for stopping by and I hope one of these recommendations becomes a favorite of yours too!
Monday, April 23, 2012
On My Nightstand Right Now
This is a great book, I haven't had a lot of time to read lately so it's taking me a couple weeks to get through it but this book is perfect for that. Instead of chapters, they're little stories about various U.S. Presidents all through history. Some things you might know or have heard but there is a lot that will probably be a surprise. If you love history as much as I do then I would highly recommend this.
Monday, April 02, 2012
Check It Out!
Today while getting some hummus for my lunch at Giant Eagle, something new caught my eye. At least, I'm pretty sure they're new since I have never seen them before!
Pillsbury Sweet Moments.
Oh yes.
What a find!! There were four varieties to choose from but quickly I grabbed the Caramel Cheesecake bites.
A layer of cheesecake, a layer of caramel, and a layer of brownie covered in chocolate and drizzled with caramel.
...In a word? YUM.
They are ready-to-eat bites perfect for that afternoon chocolate craving!
The serving size is 3, for 190 calories! The cheesecake is soft and creamy, the caramel is not too sweet, and the brownie is moist so head to your local grocery store and pick some up! They are worth a trip even if you get nothing else! lol Enjoy!
Until There's a Cure
Cancer treatment, statistics, and results from the Cancer Treatment Centers of America website:
This is a great site that answers questions directly and honestly, including the quality of life and speed at which each type of cancer will progress.
Learn more about cancer and find out about local cancer resources in your area by visiting the American Cancer Society's site:
This is the Orlando Sentinel website and it offers a multitude of great articles covering statistics, latest news, and research on the prevention of cancer:
The CafePress online gift shop is a great way to purchase cancer awareness items, including t-shirts, mugs, throws, posters, pins, stationary, and so much more!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Never to Early to Register!
This is a great time to check your area to see if/when there is a 2012 ADA Walk to support Diabetes and finding a cure, if there isn't you can start one today!
You will also be able to vote on the design for the 2012 Walk Tee Shirt. Just follow the link below to register:
http://stepout.diabetes.org/site/PageServer?pagename=OUT_so_wherewewalk&utm_source=email&utm_medium=stepout&utm_content=032212-a&utm_campaign=SO&s_src=email_stepout&s_subsrc=032212-a
You will also be able to vote on the design for the 2012 Walk Tee Shirt. Just follow the link below to register:
http://stepout.diabetes.org/site/PageServer?pagename=OUT_so_wherewewalk&utm_source=email&utm_medium=stepout&utm_content=032212-a&utm_campaign=SO&s_src=email_stepout&s_subsrc=032212-a
2012 Alert Day
Today is the 24th Annual American Diabetes Association Alert Day, this is held on the 4th Tuesday of every March! It is the day when every American is asked to take the diabetes risk test to find out if they are at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes. The reason for this is that people are often diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes years after it has settled into their system, it is a disease that you can be walking around with for a long time before you even realize it. Unfortunately, if that happens the major symptoms have already developed and harmed the body. It's a disease but it is treatable.
Please follow this link to take the online test now:
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/prevention/diabetes-risk-test/
It is fast (only a few simple questions), easy, and free!
In America there are 26 million adults and children with Type 2 Diabetes. Don't wait for it to be too late.
Please follow this link to take the online test now:
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/prevention/diabetes-risk-test/
It is fast (only a few simple questions), easy, and free!
In America there are 26 million adults and children with Type 2 Diabetes. Don't wait for it to be too late.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Chardon, Ohio - School Shooting
What happened at Chardon School is a tragedy. It's absolutely awful and it bothers me when people call the shooter a victim, it's insulting to the families of those with children in the hospital fighting to live. I'm not saying that bullying is ever OK, please don't misunderstand me. I know that kids can be cruel and it's wrong. At one point or another I think every child has been picked on, myself included. You're not going to be friends with everyone and not everyone is going to like you - just like there will be people that you don't like. That doesn't justify mistreating anyone, to any degree. It's not right and we need to fix it, but the truth is there are lots of kids who are picked on every day who would never dream of killing someone because of it. This wasn't a feud, the shooter didn't go in the school and confront a bully he's had issues with or repeatedly been abused by, he walked in and shot recklessly at groups of innocent students. This was premeditated, he bragged about it online and he wanted people to fear him. He wanted attention and to be remembered. What these shooters don't think about is the aftermath. They don't think about it because they don't care. Until they are sitting in cell at 17 and it hits them that they will probably never live outside of a cell again.
I heard a spokesman for the family of the shooter this morning on the radio state that he was "remorseful". Yes, I'm sure he is.
His actions speaks volumes to what damage he wanted to inflict. What is the progression from being picked on to wanting to be a murderer?
Another interesting thing about this student is that he has good grades, he wasn't struggling there, in fact he was known as a smart kid. He was also "Gothic", which by interpretation is usually someone who wants to be seen as different, and separate. On December 20th he wrote this chilling post on Facebook:
"Now! Feel death, not just mocking you. Not just stalking you but inside of you. Wriggle and writhe.Feel smaller beneath my might. Seizure in the Pestilence that is my scythe. Die, all of you,"
I find this very disturbing!
He lived with his grandparents who, I'm assuming but can't say for sure, were not aware of this posting, so where were his friends who saw this? The spokesman this morning also made a statement that there was no way this could have been predicted. I beg to differ.
There has got to be more courage in young people today, why didn't they inform the school? A counselor? Their own parent who could have contacted the grandparents and let them know or warned someone of how potentially dangerous this young man was BEFORE he acted on his threat.
A posting like this is not normal. It shocks me that no one was alarmed enough by it to do something. Whether it be reaching out to him, to his grandparents, to a school official, to the local police, ANYONE.
I hope that schools and students everywhere will learn from this and past shootings and realize that putting metal detectors in the entrances and sending a grief counselor in AFTER an incident are not enough. There needs to be communication and awareness before something tragic happens and before more lives are lost and ruined.
I hope you will keep the students and families of those hurt in this incident in your thoughts and prayers. I cannot imagine what they are going through. I cannot begin to understand all that is happening but I hope that this does not become a familiar headline. There has to be some prevention steps taken.
A Hero in the Midst of Terror: http://thestir.cafemom.com/in_the_news/133622/chardon_high_school_shooting_already
The Daily Record's article on the media being to blame (GREAT article!!):
WOIA News Report:
**Update: Current status is that three have passed away and one is home with her family now, there is only one remaining student in the hospital.
Monday, February 13, 2012
New Year's Resolutions
Like many well-intentioned highly motivated and enthused new year resolutioners, I set a pretty lofty goal for myself at the start of 2012. Of course, like probably 95% of American women, I decided that this would be the year that I get rid of my "wobbly bits" (thank you Bridget Jones for making it OK to say that) and just live a healthier lifestyle. Not a big deal, I was going to achieve this by simply doing two things.
Nothing carbonated.
No fast food.
So, as I sit here on February 13th. The day before Valentine's Day. Debating whether or not to get back on Facebook and read a few more of the Anti-Love posts from depressed people and drinking my carbonated "Go Ape" energy drink. I am pleased with myself.
Although obviously I have not kept 100% to my goals I have, for the most part been keeping my resolution. Except for an occasional cup of chili from Wendy's and Polar Pop from Circle K or Red Bull, I've kept away. Granted, there will always be cravings, slip ups, and downright rebellions, all-in-all I think it's going to be a great year. By summer I plan to be off the sauce completely.
We'll see.
Nothing carbonated.
No fast food.
So, as I sit here on February 13th. The day before Valentine's Day. Debating whether or not to get back on Facebook and read a few more of the Anti-Love posts from depressed people and drinking my carbonated "Go Ape" energy drink. I am pleased with myself.
Although obviously I have not kept 100% to my goals I have, for the most part been keeping my resolution. Except for an occasional cup of chili from Wendy's and Polar Pop from Circle K or Red Bull, I've kept away. Granted, there will always be cravings, slip ups, and downright rebellions, all-in-all I think it's going to be a great year. By summer I plan to be off the sauce completely.
We'll see.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Health Care Reform Act's 3.8% Tax - Know Your Facts
"The PPACA creates a new Code Section 1411, which will generally impose a 3.8 percent tax on the lesser of "net investment income" or the excess of modified adjusted gross income over a "threshold amount" (generally, $250,000 for taxpayers filing a joint return, $125,000 for married taxpayers filing a separate return and $200,000 in all other cases). Net investment income generally means the excess of (i) interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, rents, income from passive activities, income from trading financial instruments and commodities, and gain from the disposition of certain non-business property, over (ii) allowable deductions properly allocable to such income. In determining the amount of net investment income, special rules apply with respect to dispositions of equity interests in certain partnerships and S corporations, and to distributions from certain qualified plans. This additional tax applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012"
A lot of people have been talking, emailing, and warning each other about this part of the health care reform bill that passed seemingly, unnoticed. Today, I was "informed" via email that this was a "ploy to steal billions from unsuspecting homeowners". It is commonly explained as a sales tax but that is not correct, the best way to describe it would be a tax on profit. Basically, if you sell your home for a profit of more than $250,000.00 you will be required to pay a tax of 3.8%. The amount is $500,000.00 for couples selling a home. In reality, only a small percentage of Americans will be affected by this. The question then is, do you think it is right to be penalized for making a high profit.
Personally, I know that this tax will never apply to me however, I am able to look past myself and do believe that it is wrong. Based on the idea that no one should have to owe the government for making a large profit on their $400,000.00 home. However, this is not a perfect world and America is in a financial crisis. I do believe that compromises have to be made for sure and yes, certainly it is easy to say that those in the upper class should pay more than anyone else simply because, they can. Last time I checked though, they already do. So how far are we as a people willing to let that go? This was not something that was "snuck in", the America people have not had the "wool pulled over their eyes" by President Obama, this was open to the public and could have been discovered and researched by all. The problem is, no one thinks of that. No one cares until they are unhappy with something that effects them and then they decide to depict and study things. If even then, most of the time people never research things on their own, they simply hear about it from one of their friends and react how they are told based on the half-facts they were given. I'm sure we have all been guilty of that at one time or another, myself included.
I believe the majority of America needs to wake up and stop complaining about things after the fact. Actually research a candidate, bill, or issue for yourself before forming an opinion or making a decision, or God forbid, voting.
These are confusing times and we can't make decisions based on what we have been taught or what sounds good on the surface.
Learn about the Health Care Reform Bill:
http://www.healthreform.gov/index1.html
http://www.healthcare.gov/
Read the President's budget for the 2012 fiscal year:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/
"Top 10 Pros and Cons" of the Health Care Reform Bill:
http://healthcarereform.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=003725
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act:
http://ppaca.com/
Quote taken from the "Boulder Real Estate Blog" (http://www.boulder-buzz.com/health-care-bill-and-real-estate-tax/). Sources include Eons.com, (http://www.eons.com/groups/topic/2208705-REal-Estate-Sales-Tax?page=1), CNNMoney.com, (http://money.cnn.com/2010/03/22/news/economy/medicare_tax_increase/index.htm), sorry FOX fans... and, Bloomberg (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=conewsstory&tkr=IP:US&sid=a70ouHuhCn5Y).
A lot of people have been talking, emailing, and warning each other about this part of the health care reform bill that passed seemingly, unnoticed. Today, I was "informed" via email that this was a "ploy to steal billions from unsuspecting homeowners". It is commonly explained as a sales tax but that is not correct, the best way to describe it would be a tax on profit. Basically, if you sell your home for a profit of more than $250,000.00 you will be required to pay a tax of 3.8%. The amount is $500,000.00 for couples selling a home. In reality, only a small percentage of Americans will be affected by this. The question then is, do you think it is right to be penalized for making a high profit.
Personally, I know that this tax will never apply to me however, I am able to look past myself and do believe that it is wrong. Based on the idea that no one should have to owe the government for making a large profit on their $400,000.00 home. However, this is not a perfect world and America is in a financial crisis. I do believe that compromises have to be made for sure and yes, certainly it is easy to say that those in the upper class should pay more than anyone else simply because, they can. Last time I checked though, they already do. So how far are we as a people willing to let that go? This was not something that was "snuck in", the America people have not had the "wool pulled over their eyes" by President Obama, this was open to the public and could have been discovered and researched by all. The problem is, no one thinks of that. No one cares until they are unhappy with something that effects them and then they decide to depict and study things. If even then, most of the time people never research things on their own, they simply hear about it from one of their friends and react how they are told based on the half-facts they were given. I'm sure we have all been guilty of that at one time or another, myself included.
I believe the majority of America needs to wake up and stop complaining about things after the fact. Actually research a candidate, bill, or issue for yourself before forming an opinion or making a decision, or God forbid, voting.
These are confusing times and we can't make decisions based on what we have been taught or what sounds good on the surface.
Learn about the Health Care Reform Bill:
http://www.healthreform.gov/index1.html
http://www.healthcare.gov/
Read the President's budget for the 2012 fiscal year:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/
"Top 10 Pros and Cons" of the Health Care Reform Bill:
http://healthcarereform.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=003725
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act:
http://ppaca.com/
Quote taken from the "Boulder Real Estate Blog" (http://www.boulder-buzz.com/health-care-bill-and-real-estate-tax/). Sources include Eons.com, (http://www.eons.com/groups/topic/2208705-REal-Estate-Sales-Tax?page=1), CNNMoney.com, (http://money.cnn.com/2010/03/22/news/economy/medicare_tax_increase/index.htm), sorry FOX fans... and, Bloomberg (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=conewsstory&tkr=IP:US&sid=a70ouHuhCn5Y).
Friday, January 27, 2012
Sallie Mae Applying An "Unemployment Penalty"
Recently I heard about Sallie Mae's "Unemployment Penalty". This is a $50.00 fee applied every three months per loan to those who have student loans that they need to pause payments on because they are out of work. This strikes a personal chord with me since I have student loans through Sallie Mae as well as many of my friends.
This is a tough economy with a frustrating and for some, crushing job market. Life is uncertain, especially now. You never know what will happen and anyone can find themselves without a job. Loan companies already make money off of interest, this added fee punishing those who can least afford it is greed at it's simplest.
Per Change.org "...the company administers federally-funded loans too, but those are subject to additional regulation that means people can pause repayment without penalty. The forbearance fee charged to private loan customers is just extra profit for Sallie Mae..." Click below to sign the petition on Change.org to have this penalty fee removed. If enough people get involved, change can happen.
Thanks in advance for your help!
This is a tough economy with a frustrating and for some, crushing job market. Life is uncertain, especially now. You never know what will happen and anyone can find themselves without a job. Loan companies already make money off of interest, this added fee punishing those who can least afford it is greed at it's simplest.
Per Change.org "...the company administers federally-funded loans too, but those are subject to additional regulation that means people can pause repayment without penalty. The forbearance fee charged to private loan customers is just extra profit for Sallie Mae..." Click below to sign the petition on Change.org to have this penalty fee removed. If enough people get involved, change can happen.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Home Based Learning
Below is a link to a great article on "Parentables". It is actually a list of 10 celebrity parents who homeschool their children. Being raised in an "educated at home" household, I of course am a little biased but there are reasons given by many of the parents that explain why homeschooling is becoming more and more of a popular choice and I'd like to take the time to share them!
Please understand that I am not saying that homeschooling is the right choice or that it's the only choice, I would never say there is a right or a wrong choice in how or where all children are taught, it is different for every family and every child.
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fparentables.howstuffworks.com%2Fslideshows%2Ffamily-matters%2F10-celebrity-parents-who-homeschool-their-children%2F&h=tAQFguodaAQGYe-gocr4uznrc7FEDv6NnOZk3Jjdw0uEs6w
Please understand that I am not saying that homeschooling is the right choice or that it's the only choice, I would never say there is a right or a wrong choice in how or where all children are taught, it is different for every family and every child.
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fparentables.howstuffworks.com%2Fslideshows%2Ffamily-matters%2F10-celebrity-parents-who-homeschool-their-children%2F&h=tAQFguodaAQGYe-gocr4uznrc7FEDv6NnOZk3Jjdw0uEs6w
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