Last October I had the pleasure of attending the 50th reunion of my high school class, a landmark event that comes all too quickly in life. Even though I had some reservations about going because I had missed the two previous reunions, it turned out to be a wonderful experience visiting with old friends and acquaintances, and recalling fun times. For those who have yet to pass through that landmark threshold of life, I strongly recommend that you make the effort to attend yours when the time comes around, as such opportunities to reconnect with friends from your past will become fewer and farther between.
But that was then and this is about now, and my most recent reconnection of last week traveling to Maine to, among other things, visit with a dear high school chum who was a year older than I but very much a part of a segment of my life much like that depicted in the movie American Graffiti. There were mixed groups of all ages, drive-in gatherings, high school romances, sock hops, dances, parties at friends homes, hot rods, gags, jokes, social organizations, school groups and plays, and just generally having fun, but at the center of all of this was a nucleus of friends who had grown up together and enjoyed a shared appreciation of humor. "Tinka", an affectionate nickname only I seem to still use, was definitely a part of that nucleus. Only twice before have I traveled to distant places to renew old friendships, both of which were very successful, so my expectations ran high for this trip, particularly since I had initiated an e-mail exchange with her last year out of the clear blue not knowing what her response might be. Tinka's reply was not only quick, but heart-warming in the sense that it was as if time had stood still since 1958, the last time I saw her before she went east to college. The more my wife and I made plans for the trip, the more comfortable we became, and we were not disappointed.
From the moment we were greeted on the front porch of Tinka and her charming and gracious husband, Keith's lovely home near the Rockport-Camden-Rockland area of Maine, we felt right at home. Naturally, there was the expected conversation bringing each other up to date on our respective families including children and grandchildren. As parents, we all agreed that we were truly blessed to see our children happily married with children of their own living their lives away from us. We then were treated to a personal tour of the barn/office/studio constructed on their property as a carbon neutral structure generating more energy than it consumes about which I first wrote on April 25th dealing with a green environment. You can learn more about it at http://brightbuiltbarn.com. (As an aside some of this technology is the same as was used by Brad Pitt's MAKE IT RIGHT FOUNDATION to rebuild a neighborhood in the ninth ward of New Orleans which was featured on Meet The Press just this morning). That evening we enjoyed a one of a kind dinner at Saltwater Farm, an organic eating enterprise and cooking school that is the pride and joy of a young lady who I quickly dubbed the Alice Waters of Maine in her approach to cooking only freshly grown products in a wholesome way. Go to and learn more about this great place at http://saltwaterfarm.com . But then the real surprise came during the evening when I was introduced to a couple in attendance, the wife of which just happened to be another high school classmate two years younger than I whom I also had not seen in over fifty years. Needless to say, it was an evening to remember.
After touring around the area and taking in all of the history, sights, museums and art the next day, we enjoyed another great evening with Tinka and Keith continuing where we left off the night before discussing variety of subjects of mutual interest including food, wine, education, the economy, some politics, art and the body of work by three generations of Wyeths - N.C., Andrew and James, which is featured at the wonderful Farnsworth Museum in Rockland. For the record Tinka is a very accomplished artist in her own right whose website I plan to add to my list below when it is ready. Just chatting with her re-energized me to resume my pitiful attempt at oil painting which I put on hold two years ago. Then all too soon the evening came to a close, as Keith had an early flight the next morning. So, we ended the experience exactly the same way we began it the evening before with a great big hug plus a promise to stay in touch and not let too much time pass before we get together again. And, of course, I have since thought of a gillion unasked questions which I knew I would, so we'll just have to keep our fingers tapping on the computer keyboards until that occasion presents itself. But the point of sharing this experience is to promote reconnecting with old friends, as you will be pleasantly surprised and richly rewarded for the effort in my view.
FOOTNOTE: In traveling from Boston to Brunswick via I-95/I-295 we paid $12.00 in toll fees, so someone please tell me again why Arkansas cannot do the exact same thing to fund the many needed road improvements now under study in our state?
Current United States Debt still at http://usdebtclock.org
ARTISTS
Laura Raborn at http://paintingsofhome.com and http://claygifts.com
Jim Johnson at http://yessy.com/jimjohnson/gallery.html
Russ Powell at http://powellphotos.com
Linda Flake at http://lindaflake.com
Tom Herrin at http://tommysart.blogspot.com
Matt McLeod at http://matt@mattmcleod.com
Artists Registry at http://www.arkansasarts.org/programs/registry/default.aspx
Sandy Hubler Fine Art at http://sandyhublerfineart.com
George Wittenberg at http://postcard-art-gallery.com
GALLERIES
Local Colour Gallery at http://localcolourgallery.com
Chroma Gallery at http://chromagallery.com
Cantrell Gallery at http://cantrellgallery.com
Greg Thompson Fine Art at http://gregthompsonfineart.com
Red Door Gallery at http://reddoorgalleryonline.com
M2 Gallery at http://m2lr.com
UALR Gallery Program at http://ualr.edu/art
Gallery 26 at http://gallery26.com
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Made in America - Part Two
Two weeks ago this blog was dedicated to the subject of how this country has lost its manufacturing base to the extent that we import everything from clothing to sophisticated electronics which, obviously, contributes to the high rate of unemployment now stifling our economic recovery. One of the comments offered in response to the points made hinted at exploiting our "willingness to pay more for American quality", an idea I would like to further explore.
Let's start with the recent turn around by General Motors who posted a $1.3 billion profit last quarter and is on the threshold of conducting a stock IPO in the coming weeks that is reported to range from $6 to $8 billion, with more coming in the future. For those who questioned the financial assistance to the automotive industry two years ago, I think this performance puts your angst to rest. Then there is Ford Motor Company who did it all on its own. But the salient point to me is that it proves we do, in fact, have the capacity to make things in America on a grand scale. What seems to be missing is the willingness to take the risk. So, how do we kick-start that process?
First, I think we start with what the true causes of our high unemployment may be. Bob Herbert, an Op-Ed Columnist with the New York Times wrote a great piece on this very subject back on July 30th entitled A Sin and a Shame which you can read at http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/31/opinion/31herbert.html?_r=1&scp=8&sq=Bob%20Herbert&st=cse. In short, corporations began laying people off and/or reducing their employee compensation in greater numbers than actually were necessary simply to enrich their treasuries. That helps explain the $2 trillion cash hoard they have accumulated since 2008 which has gone unspent, un-loaned, un-distributed as dividends and un-invested in capital projects. During the same period productivity has increased dramatically while wages and salaries have stagnated, a contradiction to our conventional model (i.e. - where workers standard of living is supposed to go up with their increased productivity) that has occurred for the first time since WWII.
So let's think about a new approach to get these corporations to free up some of that cash for the good of the country. What if all of the major retailers in America (e.g. Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowes, J.C. Penney's, Sears, Costco, Sam's Club, etc.) banded together and started an initiative to Buy American even though the price of their commodities might be slightly higher than the same products offered by foreign competition (see paragraph one above)? Many of those same firms helped build China's economy over the past twenty or thirty years, which just surpassed Japan's for the number two spot and is on track to overtake ours by 2020 according to some predictions, so why not re-direct that same power and influence to increase demand for American made products? Would greater demand not result in existing closed factories being opened or new plants being built, banks lending money for such expansion, people being hired, and these new wage earners increasing their consumer spending, as well as buying homes in a still depressed sector, all components to getting our economy ginning again? Perhaps, along with all Americans, those 9.5% of unemployed might prefer paying slightly more for products made here with the increased income that they would be earning, rather than paying lower prices with unemployment checks for imported products that fuel foreign economic growth.
Simplistic? Idealistic? Impossible? Maybe, but nothing seems to be working now, so I'm for pursuing a Made in America campaign with the same fervor that cranked up this country to fight and win WWII, as I consider this to be a battle for the preservation of our status as the world's top economic power. Also, it might just help reduce our national debt still raging upward as shown at http://usdebtclock.org.
For a list of various products that are, thankfully, still made in America go to http://www.madeinusaforever.com/ or http://www.stillmadeinusa.com/ or
http://www.madeinusa.org/
ARTISTS
Laura Raborn at http://paintingsofhome.com and http://claygifts.com
Jim Johnson at http://yessy.com/jimjohnson/gallery.html
Russ Powell at http://powellphotos.com
Linda Flake at http://lindaflake.com
Tom Herrin at http://tommysart.blogspot.com
Matt McLeod at http://matt@mattmcleod.com
Artists Registry at http://www.arkansasarts.org/programs/registry/default.aspx
Sandy Hubler Fine Art at http://sandyhublerfineart.com
George Wittenberg at http://postcard-art-gallery.com
GALLERIES
Local Colour Gallery at http://localcolourgallery.com
Chroma Gallery at http://chromagallery.com
Cantrell Gallery at http://cantrellgallery.com
Greg Thompson Fine Art at http://gregthompsonfineart.com
Red Door Gallery at http://reddoorgalleryonline.com
M2 Gallery at http://m2lr.com
UALR Gallery Program at http://ualr.edu/art
Gallery 26 at http://gallery26.com
Let's start with the recent turn around by General Motors who posted a $1.3 billion profit last quarter and is on the threshold of conducting a stock IPO in the coming weeks that is reported to range from $6 to $8 billion, with more coming in the future. For those who questioned the financial assistance to the automotive industry two years ago, I think this performance puts your angst to rest. Then there is Ford Motor Company who did it all on its own. But the salient point to me is that it proves we do, in fact, have the capacity to make things in America on a grand scale. What seems to be missing is the willingness to take the risk. So, how do we kick-start that process?
First, I think we start with what the true causes of our high unemployment may be. Bob Herbert, an Op-Ed Columnist with the New York Times wrote a great piece on this very subject back on July 30th entitled A Sin and a Shame which you can read at http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/31/opinion/31herbert.html?_r=1&scp=8&sq=Bob%20Herbert&st=cse. In short, corporations began laying people off and/or reducing their employee compensation in greater numbers than actually were necessary simply to enrich their treasuries. That helps explain the $2 trillion cash hoard they have accumulated since 2008 which has gone unspent, un-loaned, un-distributed as dividends and un-invested in capital projects. During the same period productivity has increased dramatically while wages and salaries have stagnated, a contradiction to our conventional model (i.e. - where workers standard of living is supposed to go up with their increased productivity) that has occurred for the first time since WWII.
So let's think about a new approach to get these corporations to free up some of that cash for the good of the country. What if all of the major retailers in America (e.g. Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowes, J.C. Penney's, Sears, Costco, Sam's Club, etc.) banded together and started an initiative to Buy American even though the price of their commodities might be slightly higher than the same products offered by foreign competition (see paragraph one above)? Many of those same firms helped build China's economy over the past twenty or thirty years, which just surpassed Japan's for the number two spot and is on track to overtake ours by 2020 according to some predictions, so why not re-direct that same power and influence to increase demand for American made products? Would greater demand not result in existing closed factories being opened or new plants being built, banks lending money for such expansion, people being hired, and these new wage earners increasing their consumer spending, as well as buying homes in a still depressed sector, all components to getting our economy ginning again? Perhaps, along with all Americans, those 9.5% of unemployed might prefer paying slightly more for products made here with the increased income that they would be earning, rather than paying lower prices with unemployment checks for imported products that fuel foreign economic growth.
Simplistic? Idealistic? Impossible? Maybe, but nothing seems to be working now, so I'm for pursuing a Made in America campaign with the same fervor that cranked up this country to fight and win WWII, as I consider this to be a battle for the preservation of our status as the world's top economic power. Also, it might just help reduce our national debt still raging upward as shown at http://usdebtclock.org.
For a list of various products that are, thankfully, still made in America go to http://www.madeinusaforever.com/ or http://www.stillmadeinusa.com/ or
http://www.madeinusa.org/
ARTISTS
Laura Raborn at http://paintingsofhome.com and http://claygifts.com
Jim Johnson at http://yessy.com/jimjohnson/gallery.html
Russ Powell at http://powellphotos.com
Linda Flake at http://lindaflake.com
Tom Herrin at http://tommysart.blogspot.com
Matt McLeod at http://matt@mattmcleod.com
Artists Registry at http://www.arkansasarts.org/programs/registry/default.aspx
Sandy Hubler Fine Art at http://sandyhublerfineart.com
George Wittenberg at http://postcard-art-gallery.com
GALLERIES
Local Colour Gallery at http://localcolourgallery.com
Chroma Gallery at http://chromagallery.com
Cantrell Gallery at http://cantrellgallery.com
Greg Thompson Fine Art at http://gregthompsonfineart.com
Red Door Gallery at http://reddoorgalleryonline.com
M2 Gallery at http://m2lr.com
UALR Gallery Program at http://ualr.edu/art
Gallery 26 at http://gallery26.com
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Potpourri
Rather than focus on just one single issue this week, there are several miscellaneous items in my "out basket" that have been in the news recently, some of which have been subjects of past blogs, on which I would like to throw out some random thoughts for general comment and reaction.
STILL DIGGING FOR DOLLARS: As the Little Rock Board of Directors begins focusing on the 2011 budget, even though over four months remain in 2010, I suggest they dust off their copies of the audited Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the period ended December 31, 2009, and scour it with a fine tooth comb for areas in which savings can be achieved by reducing or eliminating city subsidies and contributions to losing operations and non-essential agencies.
WATER BILL CONFUSION: While Central Arkansas Water is to be commended for promoting water conservation by assessing a 30% surcharge for those who over-consume and applying a 15% discount for those who under-consume. Apparently, the former is based on cubic feet and the latter on gallons, which is confusing in itself. Regardless, I challenge anyone to discern from his/her monthly water bill the specific water consumption in gallons on which the credit is based. Rather, there is an unexplained conversion formula that must be applied to the cubic foot unit factor printed on the bill. Anyone know what that number is?
LOTTERY SCHOLARSHIP SURPRISE: Congratulations to the 47% of the applicant pool who received some lottery money for their college education. To the 53% who were left out of these awards thinking that any applicant who met the threshold criteria would receive one, and voted for the much ballyhooed lottery with that expectation, keep trying. Now, we'll see if these scholarships translate into raising the overall college graduation rate higher than the current abysmal 38%, as nationally we rank 12th among developed nations with college degrees in the 25-34 year old demographic, according to New York Times OP-ED columnist Bob Herbert.
CONVENIENT TRUTH: The breaking off a chunk of the Greenland glacier the size of Manhattan does not bode well for those who still insist that global warming is a fantasy. If that doesn't get your attention, then maybe the 100+ degree weather we've been experiencing all across the U.S., even beginning back in June here in Arkansas, should. At this rate we may well beat the 47 days of 100+ heat back in 1980.
DRILL BABY DRILL AGAIN? Now that the oil disaster in the gulf seems to be under control, is now the appropriate time to begin the conversation as to how and when deep water drilling will resume and under what guidelines and oversight? I just hope they don't punch another hole down below the existing cap as they seek to complete one of two proposed relief wells, or rupture the well bore that may already have cement in it from the static kill operation of a few weeks ago as they pursue the bottom up method of sealing it. Already, there is talk of some risk to proceeding with that alternative, so keep your fingers crossed.
HOMELESSNESS STILL ABOUNDS: While the announcement of an expansion at one of our local homeless shelters was great news, it still does not solve the long term problem which is growing daily nation-wide, and I suspect locally, too, due to the economy. Referencing the money crisis above, I hope a homeless resource center does not get abandoned in the City Board's budget study for next year, as the need is too great. Their just needs to be a shift some municipal priorities.
NEW REVENUE STREAM: Again referencing our money woes above, after all of the expense side items have been thoroughly examined, and if a shortfall to meet the city's essential commitments still exists, then new revenue sources have to be explored to preserve not only those basic services we all expect, but to also honor the obligations made to our city employees who have twice agreed to defer that which was promised them last year.
THE CLOCK KEEPS ON TICKING: Just so you won't forget, the national debt clock is still ticking away with reckless abandon. See for yourself at http://usdebtclock.org.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CALIFORNIA GIRLS! To my oldest granddaughter, Georgia, who will be celebrating her 9th birthday next week on the same day as her mother, Kelly, my heartfelt Happy Birthday wishes to you both.
RESUMPTION OF ARTISTS & GALLERIES: After a couple of weeks of absence, you will find the list of local artists and venues which has been expanded to include some new ones. If there are others of which you are aware that might be included, please let me know.
ARTISTS
Laura Raborn at http://paintingsofhome.com and http://claygifts.com
Jim Johnson at http://yessy.com/jimjohnson/gallery.html
Russ Powell at http://powellphotos.com
Linda Flake at http://lindaflake.com
Tom Herrin at http://tommysart.blogspot.com
Matt McLeod at http://matt@mattmcleod.com
Artists Registry at http://www.arkansasarts.org/programs/registry/default.aspx
Sandy Hubler Fine Art at http://sandyhublerfineart.com
George Wittenberg at http://postcard-art-gallery.com
GALLERIES
Local Colour Gallery at http://localcolourgallery.com
Chroma Gallery at http://chromagallery.com
Cantrell Gallery at http://cantrellgallery.com
Greg Thompson Fine Art at http://gregthompsonfineart.com
Red Door Gallery at http://reddoorgalleryonline.com
M2 Gallery at http://m2lr.com
UALR Gallery Program at http://ualr.edu/art
Gallery 26 at http://gallery26.com
STILL DIGGING FOR DOLLARS: As the Little Rock Board of Directors begins focusing on the 2011 budget, even though over four months remain in 2010, I suggest they dust off their copies of the audited Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the period ended December 31, 2009, and scour it with a fine tooth comb for areas in which savings can be achieved by reducing or eliminating city subsidies and contributions to losing operations and non-essential agencies.
WATER BILL CONFUSION: While Central Arkansas Water is to be commended for promoting water conservation by assessing a 30% surcharge for those who over-consume and applying a 15% discount for those who under-consume. Apparently, the former is based on cubic feet and the latter on gallons, which is confusing in itself. Regardless, I challenge anyone to discern from his/her monthly water bill the specific water consumption in gallons on which the credit is based. Rather, there is an unexplained conversion formula that must be applied to the cubic foot unit factor printed on the bill. Anyone know what that number is?
LOTTERY SCHOLARSHIP SURPRISE: Congratulations to the 47% of the applicant pool who received some lottery money for their college education. To the 53% who were left out of these awards thinking that any applicant who met the threshold criteria would receive one, and voted for the much ballyhooed lottery with that expectation, keep trying. Now, we'll see if these scholarships translate into raising the overall college graduation rate higher than the current abysmal 38%, as nationally we rank 12th among developed nations with college degrees in the 25-34 year old demographic, according to New York Times OP-ED columnist Bob Herbert.
CONVENIENT TRUTH: The breaking off a chunk of the Greenland glacier the size of Manhattan does not bode well for those who still insist that global warming is a fantasy. If that doesn't get your attention, then maybe the 100+ degree weather we've been experiencing all across the U.S., even beginning back in June here in Arkansas, should. At this rate we may well beat the 47 days of 100+ heat back in 1980.
DRILL BABY DRILL AGAIN? Now that the oil disaster in the gulf seems to be under control, is now the appropriate time to begin the conversation as to how and when deep water drilling will resume and under what guidelines and oversight? I just hope they don't punch another hole down below the existing cap as they seek to complete one of two proposed relief wells, or rupture the well bore that may already have cement in it from the static kill operation of a few weeks ago as they pursue the bottom up method of sealing it. Already, there is talk of some risk to proceeding with that alternative, so keep your fingers crossed.
HOMELESSNESS STILL ABOUNDS: While the announcement of an expansion at one of our local homeless shelters was great news, it still does not solve the long term problem which is growing daily nation-wide, and I suspect locally, too, due to the economy. Referencing the money crisis above, I hope a homeless resource center does not get abandoned in the City Board's budget study for next year, as the need is too great. Their just needs to be a shift some municipal priorities.
NEW REVENUE STREAM: Again referencing our money woes above, after all of the expense side items have been thoroughly examined, and if a shortfall to meet the city's essential commitments still exists, then new revenue sources have to be explored to preserve not only those basic services we all expect, but to also honor the obligations made to our city employees who have twice agreed to defer that which was promised them last year.
THE CLOCK KEEPS ON TICKING: Just so you won't forget, the national debt clock is still ticking away with reckless abandon. See for yourself at http://usdebtclock.org.
RESUMPTION OF ARTISTS & GALLERIES: After a couple of weeks of absence, you will find the list of local artists and venues which has been expanded to include some new ones. If there are others of which you are aware that might be included, please let me know.
ARTISTS
Laura Raborn at http://paintingsofhome.com and http://claygifts.com
Jim Johnson at http://yessy.com/jimjohnson/gallery.html
Russ Powell at http://powellphotos.com
Linda Flake at http://lindaflake.com
Tom Herrin at http://tommysart.blogspot.com
Matt McLeod at http://matt@mattmcleod.com
Artists Registry at http://www.arkansasarts.org/programs/registry/default.aspx
Sandy Hubler Fine Art at http://sandyhublerfineart.com
George Wittenberg at http://postcard-art-gallery.com
GALLERIES
Local Colour Gallery at http://localcolourgallery.com
Chroma Gallery at http://chromagallery.com
Cantrell Gallery at http://cantrellgallery.com
Greg Thompson Fine Art at http://gregthompsonfineart.com
Red Door Gallery at http://reddoorgalleryonline.com
M2 Gallery at http://m2lr.com
UALR Gallery Program at http://ualr.edu/art
Gallery 26 at http://gallery26.com
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Political Static Kill
Unlike previous posts, this one will invoke personal privilege to set the record straight regarding a recent political pursuit of mine. This past week I had planned to file for the Little Rock Board of Directors-Ward 3, a position I formerly held from January 1, 1999, through December 31, 2002. The decision to do so was based on my belief that the current incumbent was not going to run again. Accordingly, I obtained the necessary papers at City Hall on Tuesday, which was immediately picked up by the press, and began seeking the necessary signatures of friends and neighbors on the required petitions to file with the City Clerk.
However, the situation took a significant turn two days later when I learned that she was, in fact, running for re-election, a fact that I then personally confirmed with her. Obviously, had I made that call in the very beginning, an oversight for which I apologized directly, none of this would have happened. Subsequent conversations with my wife and others whose judgment I value and trust prompted me to then reconsider my decision to seek this office. In addition to all of the known challenges of running against an incumbent, there was the added risk that such a campaign might create an awkward dilemma for many of our mutual friends who live in the same neighborhood. Those situations benefit no one.
Therefore, I am today formally announcing my personal version of "static kill" (which we all know is the method used to finally seal the blown-out oil well in the gulf) to plug my effort to run for the City Board, and thereby stem the flow of any rumor, speculation and misinformation regarding my intentions. In so doing I want to sincerely thank my friends and neighbors who signed those petitions and offered words of encouragement for this brief adventure, but now is definitely not the time. No doubt there will be many other opportunities in the future for me to engage in my passion for public service.
In the meantime I've got this blog to keep me busy.
However, the situation took a significant turn two days later when I learned that she was, in fact, running for re-election, a fact that I then personally confirmed with her. Obviously, had I made that call in the very beginning, an oversight for which I apologized directly, none of this would have happened. Subsequent conversations with my wife and others whose judgment I value and trust prompted me to then reconsider my decision to seek this office. In addition to all of the known challenges of running against an incumbent, there was the added risk that such a campaign might create an awkward dilemma for many of our mutual friends who live in the same neighborhood. Those situations benefit no one.
Therefore, I am today formally announcing my personal version of "static kill" (which we all know is the method used to finally seal the blown-out oil well in the gulf) to plug my effort to run for the City Board, and thereby stem the flow of any rumor, speculation and misinformation regarding my intentions. In so doing I want to sincerely thank my friends and neighbors who signed those petitions and offered words of encouragement for this brief adventure, but now is definitely not the time. No doubt there will be many other opportunities in the future for me to engage in my passion for public service.
In the meantime I've got this blog to keep me busy.
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