Interesting Things about Social Security

 

Image created with Copilot & Adobe Express:
"Let's talk Social Security"

Social Security and its benefits are often discussed during the political season.  I thought it would be interesting to look up information about the program.  The links below go to some facts and statistical data concerning the program.  Yes, it was borrowed from; but they say the money was paid back—with interest.  Personally, I don’t think they should have ever “borrowed” from it in the first place. But things are as they are.

It is also interesting that Republicans are always trying to privatize it.  (That, and the US Postal Service.)  In my opinion, and the questions for me are: if it wasn’t any good, as they sometimes claim, then why would you try to privatize something that had no value?  And, who is asking you to do it?

It irks me when they try to make a dollar off of everything.  Somethings were meant to be a service for the people for the general welfare of all.  With most things, I am sure improvements can be made but all in all I think it is a great help to many Americans.   Anyway… see the links and descriptions below.  I hope they are helpful.

1.      The History/Background.  This link talks about the history of the Social Security Trust Fund and investments.  It also talks about issues policy makers have with current practices.  Social Security – Background

2.       The Big Borrow.  This link covers and discusses the time in 1982 when they (lawmakers) “borrowed”

Senator Warnock is doing the work. 'Ban on Private Equity Firms from buying Single -Family Homes'

Wikimedia: Official Photo Sen. Warnock

I was checking out my Substack today and ran across this quick post about some of the things Senator Warnock is doing in congress. Apparently some people have a problem with it. Why? I don't know.

Some good news.

- Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock

Read on Substack

In my opinion, stopping equity firms from buying up regular (single-family) homes is the exact thing to do.  Do you realize the importance of this?  Imagine the hundreds of thousands of homes that can be on the market for regular people to buy—instead of corralled in some corporation or equity firm stockpile of property; wasting away just to

Why is it that we pay for water…that we cannot drink? Should this be an election issue?

 

Copilot/AdobeExpress AI generated: "People Paying for Dirty Water"

More and more places are now handing out notices about water supplies you are paying for, but you can't drink.  And, we as sleepy Americans are walking around and just going along with whatever they say, as if it's normal.  Why?

 

Years ago, you could drink the water--safely from an outside water hose.  You could even have your own well in your yard without a problem.  Now, you pay higher prices for water that you can't even drink. 

 

Why can we not drink the water?

 

Many of the problems with water are caused by industrial waste, run off from hog and chicken farms, and possibly illegal dumping or ALLOWED dumping into our water ways and systems.

 

Who should pay for this?  Industry and the polluters who are causing the problems.  THEY should pay for the cleanup.    All that concentrated waste from big company farms are a problem.  What happened to individual farmers?  Or the organic farm which is able to

My Hot Take on DEI

 

Image: Google AI Overview

It’s time to have a plain conversation about DEI.  DEI is an acronym for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

What is DEI

It was a term used to describe methods and strategies to promote and ensure representation and participation of diverse groups and individuals in the work place and learning institutions (primarily).  However, the illustrious Supreme Court and its conservative judges felt the need to strike down standards that were in place to ensure that type of inclusion; as well as greatly reduce the effectiveness of Civil Rights law and voting rights law.

Many want to fight to get back into a system that clearly wants to exclude them.  I say do the opposite.  A law is a two-edged sword.  And as in the past, we must learn to take everything and work it for our good.

I’m in favor of building our own resources, workforce, and institutions. This time, doing it the right

About Wilmington North Carolina & the News and Observer

 

Image: PBS "American Coup" film 

I watched the documentary on PBS called American Coup.  I think it is a bit of history everyone needs to watch. As a matter of fact, it is the stuff that a good movie is made of.  If it wasn’t real, you could swear the best fictional writer wrote it.

It sheds light on what really happened in the nation and the lies told or truths omitted to shade the history of America. 

 

To my surprise,  it seems the News and Observer newspaper played a big part in creating a racial division in the state of North Carolina. Although they  "apologized" in 2006 for their part in conjuring the racial divide and civil unrest… a freakin’ coup!!!  I wonder if they could do more now to help in the ongoing process of

Beware of Companies Trying to Sell You Gold and Silver

 

Image Resource: FDIC Online Image

It seems like every time elections come around or something that might have an effect on the economy, some company(ies) start with the “buy gold and silver” commercials.  The more commercials you see, the more you should suspect there might be a possibility of a scam afoot. And it’s usually supporters of the right wing.

I don’t want to name companies here, but I would encourage you to do the research for yourself and elderly relatives who might become victims of the schemes.

Any company that is not FDIC insured should be considered a problem for you. Your money is not protected.  FDIC stands for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  It’s the independent agency of the United States federal

Price Gouging Is Real Regardless of What the “Free Market” Says

Image: Microsoft AI Designer generated

The topic of Price Gouging has been in the public square lately.  In an article I saw online entitled Supply and Demand or Price Gouging? An Ongoing Debate, from the Harvard Business School Online, price gouging is simply defined as when companies raise prices to unfair levels. VP Harris has mentioned that she will address the issue when elected President as she should—as any President should have already been doing. 

Getting back to the article, I found it interesting because it was a clear explanation of how supply and demand works (on of the pillars of our economy) and how price gouging plays a negative role.  Visit the article mentioned above.  It is very enlightening.

I think businesses who take unfair advantage of their customers should be prosecuted.  I also think we as consumers are not necessarily powerless. We could decide not to pay the high price some businesses charge; but that is often labeled as ‘boycotting’ when it’s really not. Businesses need to get the message

I Think Unions and Employment Agencies Should Have a Paradigm Shift

Photo by fauxels on Pexels.com

[Repost of May 29, 2021 WordPress post]

Unions and employment agencies both serve a good purpose in the workforce.  Now, however, it seems like there is a void that is not being filled, and somebody needs to fill it.  Many workers have their resumes out there, but either the pay is too low, or in areas where workers aren't currently located.

What if, unions, employment agencies and these workers networked and created viable co-ops?  With a slight change in operational procedures unions and employment agencies could help workers organize

Do You Know How To Back Up or Clone Your Computer?

Backing up your personal files can be very important so you won't lose your personal data.  There are several ways of creating back ups-- be it on local medium or the in the cloud.  But, what if you want to go beyond that?  I have been wondering for a while on how to back up my whole computer.  Meaning everything. I like how my programs run, I like how I have my drives are set up; and the way I can flow during work. And right now, I don't ever want it to change.  

I was searching on ways of doing that and it turns out "cloning" my own system might be the way. Cloning is the process of making an exact copy of your computer as it is at the time of the clone.  So, if your computer went down, theoretically you could insert the drive into your computer and keep working just as if nothing happened. During my search for answers, I ran across a YouTube channel called

Learning How to Be ‘Always Ready’ [a different take on an old post]

During my military days, I was once assigned to a unit who had a motto of, “Always Ready”. (Tish was cool as hell when everyone snapped to attention and yelled it out-- …was a lil bit corny tho…) It was a training unit and I believe the ethos behind it was that, as an individual and collective as a unit; we should always be ready to contribute to the accomplishment of the mission.

Therefore, being mentally, and physically prepared and present were essential in meeting goals.  Even during personal crisis, you had a contribution to make.  Now, I wished I learned how to totally apply that to my overall life.  I was great at compartmentalizing as I think many were.  It helped me to

Learn Something About Your Social Media Strategy-- 4 Things to Consider

It’s important for every business owner to learn something about their social media strategy. Even if you don’t want to worry yourself and prefer to farm everything out.  At least know what platforms you are using and how to perform one of the tasks.

Blog, tweet, post, take pictures, or do something that will get you involved with the process so that you can become familiar with that aspect of your business.  These are four things to consider:

1. It will help take some of the mystery and anxiety out of the technological mental block you may have.
2. It will help raise your confidence level when talking to others about social media.
3. You will gain a new skill and perhaps a new hobby.
4. Only you know your business like you want it perceived. Being able to talk about it or painting the picture you want seen will help craft the brand you desire.  It might not be perfect—but “writing the vision and making it plain so that others may see and run with it” (Habakkuk 2: 2-3) it real.

Being self-reliant in at least one aspect of the social media arena is very empowering.  Using that

I Think We Should Work Harder at Getting 'Work From Home' and 'School From Home' Right

[Repost from my November 10, 2020 WordPress Blog site]

Personally, I think we should work harder at getting Work From Home and School From Home right.  The pandemic was and is rough.  It's not the first nor will it probably be the last problem in this 'brave new world' we are facing.

I think many people have looked at these two solutions as temporary fixes as opposed to working on them as long term cures that could potentially help out a lot of people.  Do you think people like driving 20 - 30 miles to a job where they only make between $7.25 and $12 an hour?  Especially if they could do the work from home?

Home schooling has actually been around for a long time.  This period has been an opportunity

I’m Not a Fan of Self-Driving Cars or Self-Aware Robots

First, I just wanna say I'm a big fan of technology. But, not so much of 'Self-Driving' cars.   As I have said time and time again, I think technology should assist us...not replace us or the things we do.

I admit, it’s kind of intriguing and exciting to think that we could travel down the road while the car drives itself.  But, I believe that kind of technology should have limitations and parameters to insure the overall safety of others.  We already hear about how early attempts of self-driving vehicles are causing some accidents; and honestly with new technology—that should be expected.

But, why can’t we be content with the integration of technological advances with the skills of human drivers?  Some companies have taken that approach with the park assist functions and lane monitoring.  I’m fine with that.  It helps real drivers avoid accidents and keeps everyone safer on the roads.

What I’m not good with is allowing a non-thinking or non- feeling object have total control over itself

Don't Forget to Clean Your Fan (and Other Equipment)!

 

Regardless of if you have a home office or work place facility, don't forget to clean your fan!  I was picking up a bit around my work area/home office room and started to sweat.  I'd just returned from the outside and thought, "it wasn't that hot out there".

I know that heat is trapped inside of a building, but still, it was warmer than usual.  I was going to reach over to turn on the fan, but noticed that it was already on.  Dusty, but on.  It wasn't properly moving and circulating the air. But, let me tell  you something. Taking 5 minutes to take the fan apart to clean the plastic blades and frame guard made a world of difference!

There was such an increase of airflow, and you could feel the room cool down almost immediately--and it wasn't even on high.

Sometimes we forget to service the tools we use in our professions.  This post was merely talking about

Everything Is Going Back To Small Business and Sole Proprietorships

Do you think smaller businesses will save the day?

I think everything is going back to "small"-small businesses, mom and pop shops, and sole proprietorships. The economy is rebuilding itself in a different way.  Large businesses and their #Republican allies would have you believe that economic woes are due to Democrats, progressives and progressive policies.

Never mind the huge, two billion dollar giveaway the Republicans gave to corporations and continue to give. The greed and grift of big corporations is unreal! Most of the money that was supposed to 'trickle' down to workers and go back into the economy--was kept by greedy business owners.  None of the policies were executed as they were intended so, we are now on a different path.

Nope. I'm not an economist, nor a financial guru, but I have eyes.  And what I see is very interesting.  People see how the government has bailed out big business and banks time and time again.  But have not put the same effort into help regular people.  They have made it so that even though people can't buy what they need, they've still made the 'business' whole--and prices keep going up and up and up… the gouge is in full effect.  The housing industry is out of control.  Corporations and companies are buying up the housing stock, so prices remain ridiculously high.  Oil companies and big pharma have their way with regulations so that they pretty much do what they want to do, and the people suffer.

This is the good news.  People are finding out

4 Things to Consider to Stay Productive and Motivated While Working Remotely

For many people, working from home is the ideal situation as it helps cut down on the costs associated with work; and helps mesh work into their lifestyle.  So I think corporations and management should keep that same energy that they had when asking people to work during the peak of the pandemic. Having said that -

1. Management should approach the solution of working from home as an extension to working from the office -- even if they never go back to the office again. Communicating with employees using various technologies like phone text, Zoom meetings, Google chat, WhatsApp, and even Skype --can increase  esprit de corps (spirit of the group) among team members.
2. Assume the motivation is already there... until proven not to be.  Then use conflict/resolution strategies to find out what's going on just as you would during a counseling session, or a one-on-one session, back in the office.
3. Ensure everyone is familiar with, and skilled in, the use of applications and technologies being used by the organization. Sometimes, people need additional training

Job Seekers Beware!

Watch out for identity thieves!

Job seekers, beware of people trying to gather information concerning you! Mostly, nowadays, I work as an independent blogger, writer, consultant--what have you.  But I still apply for jobs from time to time. And it seems like some of the job listings are nothing more than information gathering schemes

I get that employers want to know a little bit about you; but if you are uploading a resume--or filling out a sampler profile sheet (and you shouldn't have to do both) then that should be enough!

In my opinion, asking for the place of birth, birth date and the like, is a bit intrusive.  That information has nothing to do with your ability to do the work requested.  Also, if you are sent to a page where there are "ads" amongst the application questions-- is a bad sign that it might not be a real job.

Finally, I personally question companies that want you to send in a free sample of your writings or work.  If they can't follow the link you've provided to your portfolio or website to see your work (so that you can at least get a site visit click for your time); --then you have to answer the question if those are people you really want to work for.

If you believe that you are being scammed, most job boards and job sites have a way to report that job so that it can be removed.  Hopefully they have something in place to catch most of the bad listings-- but they might not be able to get them all. Happy Hunting!

Get Help with Your Online Presence

 

“If we all worked together, something amazing could happen… probably.“

UPDATED: (Original August 5, 2023)

I've taken the first steps in making my current blog a community resource and a place where startups can get reasonable and cost effective supplemental marketing starting at only $10.  Some businesses have difficulty deciding whether or not they need a website.  But everyone could use some type of online presence.

I've changed up my blog quite a bit, but I still offer the service of helping businesses be seen and heard online.  I consider my blog to be somewhat different because I try to really integrate participating businesses into my blog space, making the read hopefully more pleasant to view rather than have hundreds of  popup ads interrupting and distracting you from the information you trying to view.

Our site offers a listing different than a listing you would get on a Chamber of Commerce site, and we're designed to fit price wise into your marketing strategy.

If you have question or comments be sure to reach out!

🆕Schedule an Appointment!:  https://meetings.hubspot.com/daniel-speller 

It's Time to Increase Your Knowledge (Free eBooks and Recordings)

2024 is the perfect time to begin something new and invest in yourself by increasing your knowledge.  I was doing some research for possible articles for Black History month and other topics and ran a cross some great resources.

There are thousands of free books, recordings and videos on every topic you can think of.

Since I was researching black history, the resources I've included below are about that topic.  But you can do similar searches and find information on the topic you want.  This is a great time to be alive!

With a cell phone and a laptop, you can have access to much of what you would have if you were enrolled in a university.  Actually, you can do that too.

The links below are for google searches and a three  great free eBook and audio recording sites I found. 

Does Your Business Have An SOP? Or Do You Just Wing It?

An SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) is a basic guide that gives you information about how an organization or company runs or operates.  I was first introduced to them when I was in the military and word as an administrative support specialist.

The book/guide was a wonderful and useful tool that told you all sorts of information about the organization.  Everything from working hours down to the dress code in some instances.  It culminated much of the information in the guide from other sources and served as a general breakdown about what to do and how it should be done.

When I switched over to the private sector, I sometimes found that a written SOP was not in place.  Sometimes, some of the rules were passed down by word of mouth and at other times, it seemed like they were being made up on the spot or real time as a solution was being contrived.

Do you have an SOP for your organization?  If not—it might be helpful to develop one, even if you are a one man/person operation.  It may help save time and resources should your organization grow, or