Immigration reform is needed in the United States. We need to protect our borders, our ports, and make sure there is no criminals like people that work for drug cartels, or terrorists going through them.
With that being said, we should be friendly to law abiding citizens of other countries. We should allow them to come in the United States to visit or to work with little or no hassles. We shouldn't force law abiding citizens of other countries and corner them to where they have to break immigration law in order to work and pay taxes in the United States.
Aren't Immigrants Going To Take Our Jobs?
Americans should welcome immigrants' ideas and skills. Immigrants work jobs from the lowest level to the highest -- affecting a broad scope of the economy. For instance, the agricultural industry in the United States would be severely affected if there were no immigrants (legal or illegal) working. Would you pay for a tomato for $10.00/each? No! Would you want new house prices to increase far above its current levels? No! Immigrant labor help reduce costs across many industries. More than we give them credit for.
Also, immigrants create jobs. Google and Intel are just two famous companies that were co-founded by immigrants. There are thousands more... Immigrant-owned companies create American jobs.
Anti-Immigrant is Anti-American
Poor and rich families alike from European countries moved to the United States without any serious immigrant hassles. They now form the backbone of the power bloc since the inception of our country. The fact is, unless your heritage is from Native American Indians, you have no justification to have any discrimination against immigrants. United States is a relatively young country (230 years old) compared to other countries like France (1520 years old). It still is a New World --- and to this day, people around the globe wants to work in America and achieve the American dream.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Monday, March 20, 2006
Boating Tip: Roughing Out Bad Weather
Being on a boat in bad weather is the last place you want to be. Every boater knows that he needs to check weather conditions before leaving the dock, but despite our best radar and satellite technologies, weather forecasts from time to time still get it wrong.
Having travelled by boat in the Pacific for almost a decade plus a few years in the Atlantic side, I have some lessons to share about bad weather. In fact, I experienced my first severe weather by ship when I was 5 years old. Seeing waves reach the third deck, and hearing of other ships sinking definitely etches that experience as a permanent childhood memory.
Modern boats are designed to withstand heavy waves. In most occasions, you can safely bring the boat home as long as you know what you're doing. Incidents that involve the boat being tipped over or capsized are usually the result of the operator far more than the result of the boat's structural integrity.
So here's some tips on helping you survive severe weather:
1. Start praying. Pray that you and the people with you live another day.
2. Put on your life jackets now!
3. Chart your course to the nearest shore or dock. Do NOT attempt to reach your
original marina if there's a place to dock significantly closer.
4. Make sure your distress signals are ready such as flares, and that the VHF radio is set to channel 16. Other boaters may have problems (ie: engine issues) and you may be the closest one that can help. The Coast Guard often gives weather advisories on channel 16 as well.
5. Stow and secure all belongings. The weight of your belongings and the weight of your passengers is especially important to smaller crafts -- make sure it's balanced.
6. Close all hatches, doors, and panels. Don't invite water in.
7. Keep a sharp lookout. Watch out for other boaters and obstruction.
8. Head into the wind and approach waves at a 45 degree angle to reduce stress and better control.
9. If there is lightning, make sure everyone avoids electrical and ungrounded components.
10. Watch your speed and adjust as necessary. Find the right balance between being bounced around and having control.
I hope you never have to use these tips...
~Capt. Don Sausa
Fishing Report: Caloosahatchee River 03/19/06
Fishing for 12 hours on the river produced lots of fish: 7 snappers, 3 ladyfish, 1 spotted sea trout, 1 sheepshead, and a gazillion catfish. But we couldn't snag any snook!
When we ran out of shrimp, we went home (2:30 am). Just before we set the boat back on our homeward course, snook started jumping. Oh the irony! Why do gamefish only pop up when you have no bait?
When we ran out of shrimp, we went home (2:30 am). Just before we set the boat back on our homeward course, snook started jumping. Oh the irony! Why do gamefish only pop up when you have no bait?
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Fishing Report: Caloosahatchee River & Sanibel Causeway 3/12/06, Gulf of Mexico 03/15/06
3.12.06
My fishing trip on Sunday landed two sheepshead (15" and 10"). I lost a snook near the Sanibel Causeway. The moment I casted into the water, it took the bait in seconds along with my line and hook. The most challenging thing about snook is their ability to speed across the waters and their tendency to bring your line against rocks, pillars, and other holes to snag you. The amount of pressure they bring against your line is incredible, it feels as if you're dragging 30-40 pounds of weight and your line zig zags back and forth in the water.
3.15.06
I decided to take a trip to an artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico several miles out with a couple of friends from church. Staying there from noon-8pm produced several bites. Several times large fish came in to take the bait only to lose it as they take it to the reef. I got a 17" sheepshead but my friend Howard got a 22" sheepshead -- a record on my fishing trips!
As much as I love to eat sheepshead, I have quite a few in my fridge already. My target from now until April is snook. The season doesn't open again until September, so snook is the most desired gamefish by anglers right now.
My fishing trip on Sunday landed two sheepshead (15" and 10"). I lost a snook near the Sanibel Causeway. The moment I casted into the water, it took the bait in seconds along with my line and hook. The most challenging thing about snook is their ability to speed across the waters and their tendency to bring your line against rocks, pillars, and other holes to snag you. The amount of pressure they bring against your line is incredible, it feels as if you're dragging 30-40 pounds of weight and your line zig zags back and forth in the water.
3.15.06
I decided to take a trip to an artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico several miles out with a couple of friends from church. Staying there from noon-8pm produced several bites. Several times large fish came in to take the bait only to lose it as they take it to the reef. I got a 17" sheepshead but my friend Howard got a 22" sheepshead -- a record on my fishing trips!
As much as I love to eat sheepshead, I have quite a few in my fridge already. My target from now until April is snook. The season doesn't open again until September, so snook is the most desired gamefish by anglers right now.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Remembering William (Bill) Davis
An old friend from CallTech/Teleperformance recently died Friday due to a failed robbery attempt. William Davis, known as Bill his friends, died from an accident related to the robbery.
He was an intelligent, outspoken, and unique individual that loved his wife, played good chess, and was one of the few that could sometimes beat me on foosball. I will miss him greatly.
Goodbye old friend.
He was an intelligent, outspoken, and unique individual that loved his wife, played good chess, and was one of the few that could sometimes beat me on foosball. I will miss him greatly.
Goodbye old friend.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Vinton G. Cerf votes for VeriSign to monopolize .COM domains and increase fees
Widely known as one of the "Fathers of the Internet," Vinton G. Cerf is the co-designer of the TCP/IP protocols and the architecture of the Internet. This week he is also known as the main supporter for VeriSign's monopoly on .COM.
In one bold move, Cerf and 8 others voted to give VeriSign the right to increase domain name fees to 7 percent in four of the next six years. Here is my message to Vinton G. Cerf:
Vint,
The most recent agreement that you and other ICANN members gave VeriSign potentially gives them higher profits at the cost of all Internet .com users. Already, they are making hundreds of millions of dollars from other domain resellers. Costs to run server farms are going down, especially with faster chips and costs for memory dropping. Even labor costs for VeriSign has dramatically dropped over the past years, as they have transitioned a lot of their personnel into third-party offshore locations.
So it begs the question -- why would you allow VeriSign to increase fees at the burdens of Internet users?
-Don Sausa
Vint's reply to my email:
Please see icann web site for responses and statements on this settlement. Also note that it is not clear whether to price increases will be passed to users or not. Many registrars charge far in excess of the registry fee. They did not lower prices for .net when its fee dropped below six dollars.
I'm not sure why Cerf thinks it is not "clear" that prices will increase for consumers. I know he is smarter than that. I suspect VeriSign's lobbying had a profound effect on the 9 board members, enough to where judgement has been definitely clouded on this matter.
In one bold move, Cerf and 8 others voted to give VeriSign the right to increase domain name fees to 7 percent in four of the next six years. Here is my message to Vinton G. Cerf:
Vint,
The most recent agreement that you and other ICANN members gave VeriSign potentially gives them higher profits at the cost of all Internet .com users. Already, they are making hundreds of millions of dollars from other domain resellers. Costs to run server farms are going down, especially with faster chips and costs for memory dropping. Even labor costs for VeriSign has dramatically dropped over the past years, as they have transitioned a lot of their personnel into third-party offshore locations.
So it begs the question -- why would you allow VeriSign to increase fees at the burdens of Internet users?
-Don Sausa
Vint's reply to my email:
Please see icann web site for responses and statements on this settlement. Also note that it is not clear whether to price increases will be passed to users or not. Many registrars charge far in excess of the registry fee. They did not lower prices for .net when its fee dropped below six dollars.
I'm not sure why Cerf thinks it is not "clear" that prices will increase for consumers. I know he is smarter than that. I suspect VeriSign's lobbying had a profound effect on the 9 board members, enough to where judgement has been definitely clouded on this matter.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Stock Tip: When Google's stock stumbled, I invested
Wall Street was going nuts against Google Tuesday, with nearly 7% of the stock price dropping due to the CFO's remarks that growth was slowing down. These remarks came from an offbeat speech -- it was not meant for any stock guidance.
Everyone knew that the product cycle of "click revenue" will plateu at some point -- the price per click will get more expensive as more companies participate, and there will come a point where cost effectiveness will be an issue; however, underneath the CFO's speech was groundbreaking news.
They will pursue other products to balance the slow growth of click revenue. Google's research and development accounts for 20% of their focus, while 80% is on their search engine strengths. With that 20% came Google Earth, Google Local, Google Base, and other technologies that are far from maturity. In fact, Google Base could become the second largest payment processor on the Internet within 3 years next to PayPal.
The main complaint against PayPal is their fees and policies; however, most people stay with PayPal because the brand name is recognizable. With the up and coming Google Base, the brand name already exist and could possibly overtake PayPal down the road.
Always Find Good News in Rough Waters
Many investors seem to have concentrated on the problem that click revenue was slowing down; hence, they sold their shares. They totally missed the solution of the problem: looking for other revenue streams. Google Base is a part of that solution. If Google develops it properly, they could invite an exodus of online merchants away from PayPal, which the online merchant community (eBay PowerSellers and others) considers as expensive.
The Price I Bought At...
I bought Google shares at $364, the price average is currently at $379. Roughly a 4% increase in less than 24 hours.
Everyone knew that the product cycle of "click revenue" will plateu at some point -- the price per click will get more expensive as more companies participate, and there will come a point where cost effectiveness will be an issue; however, underneath the CFO's speech was groundbreaking news.
They will pursue other products to balance the slow growth of click revenue. Google's research and development accounts for 20% of their focus, while 80% is on their search engine strengths. With that 20% came Google Earth, Google Local, Google Base, and other technologies that are far from maturity. In fact, Google Base could become the second largest payment processor on the Internet within 3 years next to PayPal.
The main complaint against PayPal is their fees and policies; however, most people stay with PayPal because the brand name is recognizable. With the up and coming Google Base, the brand name already exist and could possibly overtake PayPal down the road.
Always Find Good News in Rough Waters
Many investors seem to have concentrated on the problem that click revenue was slowing down; hence, they sold their shares. They totally missed the solution of the problem: looking for other revenue streams. Google Base is a part of that solution. If Google develops it properly, they could invite an exodus of online merchants away from PayPal, which the online merchant community (eBay PowerSellers and others) considers as expensive.
The Price I Bought At...
I bought Google shares at $364, the price average is currently at $379. Roughly a 4% increase in less than 24 hours.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Educated Filipinos tired of Philippines coup attempts
As you may or may not know, the president of the Philippines (Arroyo) is under threat of a coup or a rebellion stemming from the military. A segment of the marines have been influenced by politicians that's opposed to the president. About 100 marines staged a rebellion after a previous ploy was squashed on Friday (24th).
President Arroyo's influence
According to Forbes magazine, the Philippine peso was the best performing Asian currency in 2005. This is a positive recognition of President Arroyo's ability to manage the economics of the country, thanks to her graduate studies at Georgetown University, USA. She was once an economic professor and was a classmate of former US President Bill Clinton.
The opposition against her
Much like the Democrats in the United States, there is opposition against President Arroyo in the Philippines coming from liberals, communists, socialists, labor unions, and left wing activists. The main issue that they have against the president is the alleged vote rigging in the 2004 elections (similar to Bush/Gore in 2000). Other issues involve unproven accusations that her family is involved in illegal gambling. Third, many uneducated Filipinos blame her for the rise in gas/oil prices.
The opposition's choices in the 2004 election
Despite all the rumors -- members of the United Nations considered the Philippines 2004 election as democratic and fair despite isolated problems. Contrary to the conspiracy theorists of the "Hello Garci" tapes, the electoral monitors of the international community didn't turn a blind eye to any problem and found the election to be valid.
The opposition found it hard to believe that their choice, Fernando Poe, Jr., was not voted in as the new president. He was a popular actor, with most of his roles played as a hero of the poor. He was gathering tremendous support on his economic policy from the uneducated masses, where he defined how to fix the Philippines economy in three simple words: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. When asked by the business community on how to reduce the nation's debt, he wanted to shrug off all the bonds, much like saying to get rid of credit card debt, just ignore the bills. This was a clear example of how well this former actor grasped economic principles.
The middle class annoyed and balikbayans angry
Throughout the United States, Filipinos are beginning to be annoyed by the idea of people power and rebellion as the answer to the country's problems. The middle class of the Philippines who are considered to be the most influencial and most educated group are simply annoyed. "Rebellion against the government should be the last resort," said Eduardo Federico, a businessman in Manila. "Running and hiding from issues will never resolve anything."
Balikbayans or overseas workers, also annoyed and angry at the stupidity of their fellow countrymen. "We need to mature as a country, we look like fools everytime we disrespect our own civil laws and elected governments," said an anonymous balikbayan.
The ignored majority: Visayas and Mindanao
There are three major island groups of the Philippines: north (Luzons), central (Visayas), and south (Mindanao). The northern part of the country is mainly considered to be the rebellious one -- with all of the previous people power uprisings held in Manila, Luzon. The Visayas and Mindanao regions are largely ignored by politicians and they are now getting weary of Luzon's attempt to be the voice for them. For instance, in Cebu last week, the coup ploys were hardly felt and no tensions were played out against the government.
The central and southern parts of the Philippines has the majority of the population and they have a considerable amount of economic resources. As more corrupted political agendas are being played out in the north by the Manila "elite", many question why Manila is the capitol.
Maturity is the hope of us all
The country is a relatively new democracy founded in the late 1940's. This latest struggle is definitely a test of its democratic maturity. It is the hope of many Filipinos that the country that is so rich in resources can some day learn to be civilized. The true test in this country isn't how well the president can hold on to power, but whether the citizens can be mature enough to learn how to trust.
President Arroyo's influence
According to Forbes magazine, the Philippine peso was the best performing Asian currency in 2005. This is a positive recognition of President Arroyo's ability to manage the economics of the country, thanks to her graduate studies at Georgetown University, USA. She was once an economic professor and was a classmate of former US President Bill Clinton.
The opposition against her
Much like the Democrats in the United States, there is opposition against President Arroyo in the Philippines coming from liberals, communists, socialists, labor unions, and left wing activists. The main issue that they have against the president is the alleged vote rigging in the 2004 elections (similar to Bush/Gore in 2000). Other issues involve unproven accusations that her family is involved in illegal gambling. Third, many uneducated Filipinos blame her for the rise in gas/oil prices.
The opposition's choices in the 2004 election
Despite all the rumors -- members of the United Nations considered the Philippines 2004 election as democratic and fair despite isolated problems. Contrary to the conspiracy theorists of the "Hello Garci" tapes, the electoral monitors of the international community didn't turn a blind eye to any problem and found the election to be valid.
The opposition found it hard to believe that their choice, Fernando Poe, Jr., was not voted in as the new president. He was a popular actor, with most of his roles played as a hero of the poor. He was gathering tremendous support on his economic policy from the uneducated masses, where he defined how to fix the Philippines economy in three simple words: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. When asked by the business community on how to reduce the nation's debt, he wanted to shrug off all the bonds, much like saying to get rid of credit card debt, just ignore the bills. This was a clear example of how well this former actor grasped economic principles.
The middle class annoyed and balikbayans angry
Throughout the United States, Filipinos are beginning to be annoyed by the idea of people power and rebellion as the answer to the country's problems. The middle class of the Philippines who are considered to be the most influencial and most educated group are simply annoyed. "Rebellion against the government should be the last resort," said Eduardo Federico, a businessman in Manila. "Running and hiding from issues will never resolve anything."
Balikbayans or overseas workers, also annoyed and angry at the stupidity of their fellow countrymen. "We need to mature as a country, we look like fools everytime we disrespect our own civil laws and elected governments," said an anonymous balikbayan.
The ignored majority: Visayas and Mindanao
There are three major island groups of the Philippines: north (Luzons), central (Visayas), and south (Mindanao). The northern part of the country is mainly considered to be the rebellious one -- with all of the previous people power uprisings held in Manila, Luzon. The Visayas and Mindanao regions are largely ignored by politicians and they are now getting weary of Luzon's attempt to be the voice for them. For instance, in Cebu last week, the coup ploys were hardly felt and no tensions were played out against the government.
The central and southern parts of the Philippines has the majority of the population and they have a considerable amount of economic resources. As more corrupted political agendas are being played out in the north by the Manila "elite", many question why Manila is the capitol.
Maturity is the hope of us all
The country is a relatively new democracy founded in the late 1940's. This latest struggle is definitely a test of its democratic maturity. It is the hope of many Filipinos that the country that is so rich in resources can some day learn to be civilized. The true test in this country isn't how well the president can hold on to power, but whether the citizens can be mature enough to learn how to trust.
Fishing Report: Caloosahatchee River 02/26/06
Caught only one fish today (sheepshead) at Sanibel. Some members of the fishing group caught snapper, and grouper. Snook was seen today but not very active. We attempted to catch the tide at Cape Coral bridge in the evening to no avail. Windy conditions, rough currents, and the rain showers early this morning may have pushed the fish away from the river.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Fishing Report: Caloosahatchee River 02/19/06
Possibly one of the worst days of fishing ever via boat. For 4 hours, we caught nothing but a stingray and a 12" flounder. Going through Pine Island and the River didn't give us anything at all. Fishermen we talked to that were hitting the sandbars, mangroves, and other areas didn't hit much either today. Some notable events today: we saw manatees, a shark, and a dolphin.
From 7pm-9pm (after we get out of the boat), we went besides the Cape Coral Parkway bridge and caught catfish (4), snapper (2), ladyfish (2), and redfish (3). It goes to show, fishing conditions always change.
Manatee swimming close to our boat.
From 7pm-9pm (after we get out of the boat), we went besides the Cape Coral Parkway bridge and caught catfish (4), snapper (2), ladyfish (2), and redfish (3). It goes to show, fishing conditions always change.
Manatee swimming close to our boat.
Fishing Report: Caloosahatchee River 02/12/06
With a full moon and a season open for snook -- this Sunday was definitely a good day for fishing. We also didn't get stopped by the Florida Wildlife Commission, which was an extra plus since they've stopped us 4 times in a row in January with over 1.5+ hrs of fishing wasted.
By watching the currents and looking for spots that were easy eating for fish, we were able to find a few areas that sheepshead, snapper, and snook were plentiful. See our pictures below. Please note we were using medium action rod, circle hooks, and live shrimp as bait.
Snook, 25" - had to return because 1" below legal limit
Sheepshead, 17"
By watching the currents and looking for spots that were easy eating for fish, we were able to find a few areas that sheepshead, snapper, and snook were plentiful. See our pictures below. Please note we were using medium action rod, circle hooks, and live shrimp as bait.
Snook, 25" - had to return because 1" below legal limit
Sheepshead, 17"
Friday, February 17, 2006
Disaster Spotlight: Mudslide hits Philippines, 1500 missing, help now!
This just in. A mudslide hit the Philippines with an estimated 300 people dead and 1,500 missing! "It sounded like the mountain exploded, and the whole thing crumbled," survivor Dario Libatan told Manila radio DZMM, according to The Associated Press. "I could not see any house standing anymore."
The mudslide swept through the farming village of Guinsahugon in the municipality of St. Bernard town on Leyte Island, about 670 kilometers (420 miles) southeast of Manila. The entire village was swallowed by the mudslide.
How to Help
For $10.00, you can help one single family survive this mudslide. Your gift will be tax deductible in the United States through the ADRA mudslide relief fund for the Philippines. Act now!
References
http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/02/17/philippines.landslide/
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Media Annoyance: Cheney News
Just a side note to CNN and other news media that seems to be stuck on Cheney's hunting accident...Move on. It's boring. There's no controversy, just boredom.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Fishing Report: Caloosahatchee River 02/05/06
Last Sunday, I was roughly 2-3 miles off before the Sanibel bridge. The best catch of the day was a fairly large sheepshead that measured 19" inches and weighed 4.25 lbs. I was using a middle-action rod, circular hook, Fireline 15 lbs, flurocarbon leader 10 lbs, and my bait was live shrimp. The fish already had a hook inside of him from a previous encounter with me. Goes to show that fish are really stupid or are really courageous.
Despite the big catch, fishing conditions were rough. We hardly got any bites until 4-5pm in the afternoon. This was partly due to the low tide and the saltinity levels in the water. A previous storm front went through the area on Saturday.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
My thoughts on the Muslim cartoons
My thoughts on the Muslim cartoons
I believe we should respect everyone's beliefs. I believe the recent Muslim depictions of their prophet is insulting. Don't get me wrong, I think he is a false prophet; however, there is a responsibility of publishers and newspapers to not incite hatred in their published works. You will never find a public newspaper depicting African Americans as "n*ggers" because that's insulting. So why should we treat Muslim beliefs any different?
My message to violent Muslim newspapers and their readers
To the Muslim newspapers in the Middle East that have suggested crimes against Europeans and Americans because of cartoons...you are HYPOCRITES. Don't you think we know you've published your own cartoons going against Western leaders, and other religions? You are an infidel of your own religion -- and the readers that enjoyed your cartoons, eat your own words and judge yourself first before judging anyone else. When you say "cut their heads off because of the cartoons" -- do this to yourself FIRST before you say it to anyone else. Fatwa on you, you hypocrite.
Accountability:
Hypocrite Credit: Palestinian Al-Hayat al-Jadida March 22, 2000
Hypocrite Credit: Arab/Muslim cartoonist - Bendib
Hypocrite Credit: La Revue du Liban, 2000
Hypocrite Credit: Egyption Al Ahram April 21, 2001
What hypocritical Muslims are angry about:
I believe we should respect everyone's beliefs. I believe the recent Muslim depictions of their prophet is insulting. Don't get me wrong, I think he is a false prophet; however, there is a responsibility of publishers and newspapers to not incite hatred in their published works. You will never find a public newspaper depicting African Americans as "n*ggers" because that's insulting. So why should we treat Muslim beliefs any different?
My message to violent Muslim newspapers and their readers
To the Muslim newspapers in the Middle East that have suggested crimes against Europeans and Americans because of cartoons...you are HYPOCRITES. Don't you think we know you've published your own cartoons going against Western leaders, and other religions? You are an infidel of your own religion -- and the readers that enjoyed your cartoons, eat your own words and judge yourself first before judging anyone else. When you say "cut their heads off because of the cartoons" -- do this to yourself FIRST before you say it to anyone else. Fatwa on you, you hypocrite.
Accountability:
Hypocrite Credit: Palestinian Al-Hayat al-Jadida March 22, 2000
Hypocrite Credit: Arab/Muslim cartoonist - Bendib
Hypocrite Credit: La Revue du Liban, 2000
Hypocrite Credit: Egyption Al Ahram April 21, 2001
What hypocritical Muslims are angry about:
Worldwide Protestant church responds to Muslim cartoons
Adventist World President Responds to Muslim Caricature Controversy
Silver Spring, Maryland/USA, 03.02.2006 / ANN/APD
Following an increase in global tension surrounding the publication - in newspapers in Denmark and other European countries - of cartoons that some Muslims worldwide have found insulting, Pastor Jan Paulsen, world president of the Seventh-day Adventist church issued a call for the responsible use of the right of free expression.
The drawings were first published in a Danish newspaper in September 2005. The appearance of the cartoons provoked emotions in the Muslim world because the Islamic tradition explicitly prohibits images of Allah, Muhammad and all the major figures of the Christian and Jewish traditions.
"It is unfortunate that the publication of freely expressed opinions ... has inflamed relations among people," Pastor Paulsen said in a statement released at the Adventist world headquarters.
"As Seventh-day Adventists we support and encourage the responsible use of the right of free expression," he added. "Inherent in that responsibility is also being mindful of not insulting others, and causing injury to their beliefs and practices. Opinions can be shared without the colour of disrespect, and debate can take place but without offending the beliefs of others."
Drawing on many years of experience in intercultural ministry in Africa and around the world, Paulsen noted the importance of valuing diversity and of building harmonious communities, while at the same time acknowledging the importance of free speech.
"My work as a Seventh-day Adventist Church leader has taken me to many nations. I witness the value of diversity and the fact that Christians build the community alongside adherents of many other religions and worldviews," he said. "And I recommend that living by the principle of the Golden Rule, which asks us to do unto others as we would wish them to do unto us, would inspire us to live in harmony with all people, be free in expressing our views, but also maintaining courtesy and respect to all."
More than 25 million people worship weekly in Seventh-day Adventist congregations in 203 countries and territories around the world. Adventists are a protestant mainstream world communion with a global network of hospitals, educational institutions and health food businesses dedicated to serving needs worldwide.
Silver Spring, Maryland/USA, 03.02.2006 / ANN/APD
Following an increase in global tension surrounding the publication - in newspapers in Denmark and other European countries - of cartoons that some Muslims worldwide have found insulting, Pastor Jan Paulsen, world president of the Seventh-day Adventist church issued a call for the responsible use of the right of free expression.
The drawings were first published in a Danish newspaper in September 2005. The appearance of the cartoons provoked emotions in the Muslim world because the Islamic tradition explicitly prohibits images of Allah, Muhammad and all the major figures of the Christian and Jewish traditions.
"It is unfortunate that the publication of freely expressed opinions ... has inflamed relations among people," Pastor Paulsen said in a statement released at the Adventist world headquarters.
"As Seventh-day Adventists we support and encourage the responsible use of the right of free expression," he added. "Inherent in that responsibility is also being mindful of not insulting others, and causing injury to their beliefs and practices. Opinions can be shared without the colour of disrespect, and debate can take place but without offending the beliefs of others."
Drawing on many years of experience in intercultural ministry in Africa and around the world, Paulsen noted the importance of valuing diversity and of building harmonious communities, while at the same time acknowledging the importance of free speech.
"My work as a Seventh-day Adventist Church leader has taken me to many nations. I witness the value of diversity and the fact that Christians build the community alongside adherents of many other religions and worldviews," he said. "And I recommend that living by the principle of the Golden Rule, which asks us to do unto others as we would wish them to do unto us, would inspire us to live in harmony with all people, be free in expressing our views, but also maintaining courtesy and respect to all."
More than 25 million people worship weekly in Seventh-day Adventist congregations in 203 countries and territories around the world. Adventists are a protestant mainstream world communion with a global network of hospitals, educational institutions and health food businesses dedicated to serving needs worldwide.
Movie Review: Joint Security Area (2000)
When I rented this, I thought it was an action film. To my surprise, this movie had more depth and meaning than most of the movies I've seen for the past few months. Originally released in South Korea in the fall of 2000, the movie has been distributed internationally and has recently been released in DVD format (2002) for the United States.
The film's setting is on the 38th parallel on the Korean peninsula. The communist North Korea and the democratic South Korea created two bases across from each other. The story surrounds itself around one South Korean soldier befriending two North Korean guards. Under the secrecy of the night, they have formed a friendship that would have been considered treason on both sides.
This movie is a powerful statement about the idiotic hostilities between the two countries. Both countries have family ties together and have very similar cultures; however, they are separated by different political views. This is the tragedy of the movie, that there is still a Cold War brewing in the world between the 38th parallel.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Charity Spotlight - ADRA
I want to encourage you to donate to charities such as the Red Cross and ADRA. Through these programs, you are making the world better by providing and enabling organizations to work for the betterment of citizens around the world.
ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency) is my favorite charity. Through their Gift Catalog, you can donate to specific programs. Here are some examples of what the gift catalog can do:
- Feed and Take Care of One Orphan for One Day in Ethiopia ($1)
- Give Breakfast to Two Children for One Day in Chile ($1)
- Feed and Educate One Street Child in Russia for One Day ($2)
- Educate One Russian Teenager in Drug Abstention and Healthy Lifestyle Issues ($2)
- Feed One Family of Typhoon Survivors in the Philippines for 10 Days ($10)
- Pay for a child to help him against TB disease in the Philippines ($100)
- Launch a Medical Center in Burkina Faso, West Africa ($36,000)
Give and watch your blessings grow.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Medicare limiting therapy payments
Aside from Medicare drug benefits in shambles, the Medicare therapy caps are also causing problems for senior citizens. It essentially means they cannot go to therapy clinics after a set amount of visits even if they are still suffering. The Congress-approved Medicare system will not allow them to come back to therapy clinics despite the fact that the treatment is not complete.
Read more below..
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Source: Lindy Washburn / North Jersey Media Group Inc.
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By LINDY WASHBURN
STAFF WRITER
Overshadowed by the furor over Medicare's new prescription drug plan, another change in Medicare benefits took place on Jan. 1 that could have a serious impact on stroke victims and others who need rehabilitation therapy.
A limit of $1,740 will be imposed this year on physical therapy and speech therapy services. Another $1,740 limit will be imposed on occupational therapy services, which include adaptations such as brighter lights, grab bars or stair lifts to make the activities of daily life easier.
The caps apply to care received at free-standing practices, not at hospital-affiliated centers or nursing homes. Originally imposed as part of the 1997 budget-balancing act to cut Medicare costs, the caps have been delayed three times by Congress. The most recent moratorium lapsed on Dec. 31.
"It makes a huge difference to me," said Tobi Goldstein, 72, of Little Falls, who has Parkinson's disease.
Without physical therapy, "I would probably be in a wheelchair," she said. "I thought I would have to go into some sort of facility with assistance, whereas now I can live in my own apartment."
Goldstein says there is no way she can pay for her twice-weekly sessions at Suburban Physical Therapy in Cedar Grove. "Without them, I can tell you: Very, very quickly my condition will deteriorate," she said. "It took such a long time to reach this point. It would be such a pity to plateau and go downhill."
Few patients have hit the limits yet. But active seniors - who might injure themselves twice in one year, or recover from a fall and then have joint surgery - are also concerned, said Matthew Riordan, a physical therapist at Suburban. Others, such as stroke patients, rely upon therapy to learn to walk and swallow again. The caps essentially limit them to about 12 physical therapy sessions.
Once coverage runs out, they must pay their own way, switch to a hospital-based center or do without.
"We're dealing with the most frail patients," sad Richard Stoneking, president of the American Physical Therapy Association in New Jersey. "The problem will escalate as the year goes forward. ... Then people will ask, do I forgo necessary care or do I pay out of pocket?"
About 3.7 million people, or 9 percent of Medicare beneficiaries, receive one or more types of outpatient therapy a year, according to the Government Accounting Office. The services are covered under Medicare Part B, if necessary to improve a patient's condition.
Congress has long struggled to control spending on Medicare outpatient therapy, which grew at double the rate of overall Medicare spending in the early 1990s. In 1997, it adopted caps on the payments for services.
"Every Medicare beneficiary should care about this," said Dave Mason, vice president for governmental affairs of the American Physical Therapy Association. Even a relatively healthy person might encounter a problem early in the year that eats into his cap, and then not have enough later in the year to pay for therapy services after surgery or a stroke, for example.
Rep. Frank Pallone, D-Monmouth, has introduced a measure to repeal the Medicare therapy caps. "I've always supported eliminating the caps," said Pallone, the senior Democrat on the House of Representatives health committee. "A lot of people who are impacted by them can't pay out of pocket."
So far, 241 House members - a majority - have endorsed his bill, "The Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2005." It also has the support of 41 senators.
"The reason caps don't make sense," Pallone said, "is that they're not based on what's medically necessary. ... It's just budget driven."
Conference committee members on this year's budget reconciliation bill took a different approach, however. They recommended that the caps remain, with exceptions granted for medical necessity by the secretary of Health and Human Services. The House is likely to take up that modification when the next session begins on Jan. 31.
Physical therapists have urged the director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to allow exceptions to the caps while the issue is pending in Congress.
The American Occupational Therapy Association is looking "forward to working with Congress in the next year in order to provide a more permanent solution for the cap problem," said its spokesman, Rob Black.
If the caps had been in place in 2002, last year's GAO report found, about a quarter of Medicare's payments for outpatient therapy, or about $800 million, would not have been paid unless an exception had been granted.
What it means
What's new: Medicare patients are limited to $1,740 for physical and speech therapy services at free-standing centers. There is another $1,740 limit for occupational therapy.
What's next: U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, D-Monmouth, has introduced a measure to repeal the caps. A majority of House members has endorsed the bill.
Read more below..
----
Source: Lindy Washburn / North Jersey Media Group Inc.
----
By LINDY WASHBURN
STAFF WRITER
Overshadowed by the furor over Medicare's new prescription drug plan, another change in Medicare benefits took place on Jan. 1 that could have a serious impact on stroke victims and others who need rehabilitation therapy.
A limit of $1,740 will be imposed this year on physical therapy and speech therapy services. Another $1,740 limit will be imposed on occupational therapy services, which include adaptations such as brighter lights, grab bars or stair lifts to make the activities of daily life easier.
The caps apply to care received at free-standing practices, not at hospital-affiliated centers or nursing homes. Originally imposed as part of the 1997 budget-balancing act to cut Medicare costs, the caps have been delayed three times by Congress. The most recent moratorium lapsed on Dec. 31.
"It makes a huge difference to me," said Tobi Goldstein, 72, of Little Falls, who has Parkinson's disease.
Without physical therapy, "I would probably be in a wheelchair," she said. "I thought I would have to go into some sort of facility with assistance, whereas now I can live in my own apartment."
Goldstein says there is no way she can pay for her twice-weekly sessions at Suburban Physical Therapy in Cedar Grove. "Without them, I can tell you: Very, very quickly my condition will deteriorate," she said. "It took such a long time to reach this point. It would be such a pity to plateau and go downhill."
Few patients have hit the limits yet. But active seniors - who might injure themselves twice in one year, or recover from a fall and then have joint surgery - are also concerned, said Matthew Riordan, a physical therapist at Suburban. Others, such as stroke patients, rely upon therapy to learn to walk and swallow again. The caps essentially limit them to about 12 physical therapy sessions.
Once coverage runs out, they must pay their own way, switch to a hospital-based center or do without.
"We're dealing with the most frail patients," sad Richard Stoneking, president of the American Physical Therapy Association in New Jersey. "The problem will escalate as the year goes forward. ... Then people will ask, do I forgo necessary care or do I pay out of pocket?"
About 3.7 million people, or 9 percent of Medicare beneficiaries, receive one or more types of outpatient therapy a year, according to the Government Accounting Office. The services are covered under Medicare Part B, if necessary to improve a patient's condition.
Congress has long struggled to control spending on Medicare outpatient therapy, which grew at double the rate of overall Medicare spending in the early 1990s. In 1997, it adopted caps on the payments for services.
"Every Medicare beneficiary should care about this," said Dave Mason, vice president for governmental affairs of the American Physical Therapy Association. Even a relatively healthy person might encounter a problem early in the year that eats into his cap, and then not have enough later in the year to pay for therapy services after surgery or a stroke, for example.
Rep. Frank Pallone, D-Monmouth, has introduced a measure to repeal the Medicare therapy caps. "I've always supported eliminating the caps," said Pallone, the senior Democrat on the House of Representatives health committee. "A lot of people who are impacted by them can't pay out of pocket."
So far, 241 House members - a majority - have endorsed his bill, "The Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2005." It also has the support of 41 senators.
"The reason caps don't make sense," Pallone said, "is that they're not based on what's medically necessary. ... It's just budget driven."
Conference committee members on this year's budget reconciliation bill took a different approach, however. They recommended that the caps remain, with exceptions granted for medical necessity by the secretary of Health and Human Services. The House is likely to take up that modification when the next session begins on Jan. 31.
Physical therapists have urged the director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to allow exceptions to the caps while the issue is pending in Congress.
The American Occupational Therapy Association is looking "forward to working with Congress in the next year in order to provide a more permanent solution for the cap problem," said its spokesman, Rob Black.
If the caps had been in place in 2002, last year's GAO report found, about a quarter of Medicare's payments for outpatient therapy, or about $800 million, would not have been paid unless an exception had been granted.
What it means
What's new: Medicare patients are limited to $1,740 for physical and speech therapy services at free-standing centers. There is another $1,740 limit for occupational therapy.
What's next: U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, D-Monmouth, has introduced a measure to repeal the caps. A majority of House members has endorsed the bill.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Google, in defense of its users
In a remarkable stance of protecting privacy, Google has refused a subpoena from the federal government asking for search information. Although the information requested by the Justice Department requires no personal information and only asks for search information, it could later ask for more in-depth data further.
Google's theme since its inception was: "to do no evil" -- and they have continued to follow this motto despite the U.S. government's insistence. Where Microsoft's MSN, and Yahoo! gave in, Google is fighting a lone battle in defending its users.
Yet another reason why people like Google...they defend you and me.
Google's theme since its inception was: "to do no evil" -- and they have continued to follow this motto despite the U.S. government's insistence. Where Microsoft's MSN, and Yahoo! gave in, Google is fighting a lone battle in defending its users.
Yet another reason why people like Google...they defend you and me.
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