September 30, 2011
September 28, 2011
Reviewing Obamacare
The Obama Administration is urging the Supreme Court to resolve a conflict among circuit courts on the question of whether Congress had the constitutional power to pass the individual mandate portion of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The individual mandate is the part of the law that requires every individual in the US to obtain health insurance.
Here's a link the the 304 page 11th Circuit opinion that said that Congress lacks that power.
www.uscourts.gov/uscourts/courts/ca11/201111021.pdf
The opinion is great reading for two reasons. First, it summarizes the new health care law into easily digestible pieces. It is the first place Robert has seen a basic explanation of that law (which is itself over 900 pages long). The summary can be found at pages 11-53. Second, it provides a great summary of Commerce Clause caselaw. To be an informed citizen one must have a basic understanding of the debate about that clause's meaning. It is central to understanding our federal government. Really. See pages 67-171.
Here's a link the the 304 page 11th Circuit opinion that said that Congress lacks that power.
www.uscourts.gov/uscourts/courts/ca11/201111021.pdf
The opinion is great reading for two reasons. First, it summarizes the new health care law into easily digestible pieces. It is the first place Robert has seen a basic explanation of that law (which is itself over 900 pages long). The summary can be found at pages 11-53. Second, it provides a great summary of Commerce Clause caselaw. To be an informed citizen one must have a basic understanding of the debate about that clause's meaning. It is central to understanding our federal government. Really. See pages 67-171.
September 27, 2011
BBC Greek Debt Crisis Flow Chart
Interesting explanation of Greek debt crisis, in flow chart format.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14977728
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14977728
September 26, 2011
September 25, 2011
September 24, 2011
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 11 - Fri Sep 30, Sat Oct 1, & Sun Oct 2, 2011
Anyone interested in joining us next weekend? We are tentatively planning Friday.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 11 - Fri Sep 30, Sat Oct 1, & Sun Oct 2, 2011
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 11 - Fri Sep 30, Sat Oct 1, & Sun Oct 2, 2011
September 22, 2011
September 20, 2011
What?
Wait.
I don't begrudge this guy his money.
But is he saying that it is not income if he decides to invest it?
What?
Dumb-dumb.
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/rep-john-fleming-field-criticism-over-600k-income-153305241.html
I don't begrudge this guy his money.
But is he saying that it is not income if he decides to invest it?
What?
Dumb-dumb.
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/rep-john-fleming-field-criticism-over-600k-income-153305241.html
Rep. John Fleming fields criticism over 600K income
By Chris Moody |Add John Fleming, a Republican congressman from Louisiana, to the growing, bipartisan list of relatively well-off politicians who may want to revisit the way they discuss their income in public.
During an MSNBC interview to discuss why Fleming opposes President Obama's tax increase on those earning more than $1 million per year, host Chris Jansing said that Fleming has an income of more than $6 million. Fleming quickly corrected her, saying he actually takes in a fraction of that gross amount--about $600,000.
"The amount that I have to reinvest in my business and feed my family is more like $600,000 of that $6.3 million," Fleming explained. "So by the time I feed my family I have, maybe, $400,000 left over to invest in new locations, upgrade my locations, buy more equipment."
Fleming owns a string of Subway sandwich shops and UPS store franchises that earned a gross income of about $6.3 million last year, according to a review of the congressman's finances in The Wall Street Journal.
Jansing went on to tell Fleming that his annual personal income of $200,000 from those ventures was "not exactly a sympathetic position" from which to make the case for lower taxes on the wealthy.
"You do understand, congressman, that the average person out there who's making maybe 40, 50, $60,000 out there, when they hear you only have $400,000 left over, it's not exactly a sympathetic position," she said. "You understand that?"
"Class warfare's never created a job," Fleming responded. "And that's people that will not get jobs. This is all about creating jobs, Chris, this is not about attacking people who make certain incomes. You know in this country, most people feel that being successful in their business is a virtue, not a vice, and once we begin to identify it as a vice, this country is going down."
Fleming was merely pointing out a consequence of tax increases--that business owners will have less money to re-invest and hire new workers if they decline to take a pay cut. But his message likely won't resonate, as Jansing said, with "average Americans."
Lawmakers in both parties have long found themselves appearing removed from reality. From pictures of former Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry windsurfing off Nantucket in 2004 to current Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich's six-figure tab at Tiffany's in 2011, national politicians can find themselves treading a fine line when it comes to discussing their wealth, especially during tough economic times.
Others may want to take note.
During an MSNBC interview to discuss why Fleming opposes President Obama's tax increase on those earning more than $1 million per year, host Chris Jansing said that Fleming has an income of more than $6 million. Fleming quickly corrected her, saying he actually takes in a fraction of that gross amount--about $600,000.
"The amount that I have to reinvest in my business and feed my family is more like $600,000 of that $6.3 million," Fleming explained. "So by the time I feed my family I have, maybe, $400,000 left over to invest in new locations, upgrade my locations, buy more equipment."
Fleming owns a string of Subway sandwich shops and UPS store franchises that earned a gross income of about $6.3 million last year, according to a review of the congressman's finances in The Wall Street Journal.
Jansing went on to tell Fleming that his annual personal income of $200,000 from those ventures was "not exactly a sympathetic position" from which to make the case for lower taxes on the wealthy.
"You do understand, congressman, that the average person out there who's making maybe 40, 50, $60,000 out there, when they hear you only have $400,000 left over, it's not exactly a sympathetic position," she said. "You understand that?"
"Class warfare's never created a job," Fleming responded. "And that's people that will not get jobs. This is all about creating jobs, Chris, this is not about attacking people who make certain incomes. You know in this country, most people feel that being successful in their business is a virtue, not a vice, and once we begin to identify it as a vice, this country is going down."
Fleming was merely pointing out a consequence of tax increases--that business owners will have less money to re-invest and hire new workers if they decline to take a pay cut. But his message likely won't resonate, as Jansing said, with "average Americans."
Lawmakers in both parties have long found themselves appearing removed from reality. From pictures of former Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry windsurfing off Nantucket in 2004 to current Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich's six-figure tab at Tiffany's in 2011, national politicians can find themselves treading a fine line when it comes to discussing their wealth, especially during tough economic times.
Others may want to take note.
Pruning Fruit Trees
Here's some links to sites explaining proper pruning of fruit trees.
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/ag29.html
http://www.weekendgardener.net/how-to/prune-apple-trees.htm
Neglected trees
Many people will purchase a house where an apple tree was planted on the property several years ago. Often, the previous owners did not take the time to properly prune the tree. The tree has become bushy and weak and will produce very poor quality apples. Such a tree requires extensive corrective pruning.
The main objective in pruning such a tree is to try to open up the interior to allow good light penetration.
The first step is to remove all the upright, vigorous growing shoots at their base that are shading the interior. As with the young apple trees, it is necessary to select 3 to 5 lower scaffold branches with good crotch angles and spaced around the tree. Limbs with poor angles, and excess scaffold limbs, should be removed at their base. In some cases it is advisable to spread the corrective pruning over two to three seasons. When severe pruning is done in the winter, the trees should not be fertilized that spring.
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/ag29.html
http://www.weekendgardener.net/how-to/prune-apple-trees.htm
Neglected trees
Many people will purchase a house where an apple tree was planted on the property several years ago. Often, the previous owners did not take the time to properly prune the tree. The tree has become bushy and weak and will produce very poor quality apples. Such a tree requires extensive corrective pruning.
The main objective in pruning such a tree is to try to open up the interior to allow good light penetration.
The first step is to remove all the upright, vigorous growing shoots at their base that are shading the interior. As with the young apple trees, it is necessary to select 3 to 5 lower scaffold branches with good crotch angles and spaced around the tree. Limbs with poor angles, and excess scaffold limbs, should be removed at their base. In some cases it is advisable to spread the corrective pruning over two to three seasons. When severe pruning is done in the winter, the trees should not be fertilized that spring.
September 17, 2011
Yosemite 2012
Our recent taste of Yosemite seems to have generated an interest in further exploration next year.
Here's an update on the Pierce Family visit to Yosemite in 2012.
We have made reservations to be in Curry Village cabins the nights of August 22, 23, 24, 2012.
So, if you would like to join us, or if you would merely like to reserve the right to do so, you can do that by making a reservation at Curry Village here: http://www.yosemitepark.com/accommodations_curryvillage.aspx
We may be in Yosemite the few days prior for back-country hiking, but that is still in the works. We have submitted for the High Sierra Camp lottery for the nights of August 20 and 21 at May Lake and Sunrise Lake. Results are expected in January. You can submit here: http://www.yosemitepark.com/Accommodations_HighSierra_HowtoApply.aspx Mules are available for the high sierra camp. We are still organizing that, but suggest that if you are interested in the high sierra camp that you enter the lottery. It's free to enter and you can sort it out later if you get a spot.
The good news is that Yosemite has a liberal cancelation policy (see below). This means that you can just make a reservation for Curry Village or a hotel far in advance and, if it does not work out, get your money back as long as you cancel more than 7 days before arrival date.
It appears that Robert and Gertie will join us the nights of August 23 and 24. Perhaps Julie/Richard/John/Meredith/David can join for the other or same nights.
We will develop a daily activity plan which should include hikes to the falls, Tuolomne Meadows, Half Dome, and extensive use of the swimming pool and cocktail lounge. I'm sure David can just come along and we can squeeze him in somewhere.
Yosemite Cancellations and Changes - Requests for cancellation or changes may be made by calling our Central Reservation Office at (801) 559-4872 . We must receive requests for cancellation of or change to your reservations at least seven (7) days prior to your scheduled arrival date for a refund of your deposit. As for reservations related to special events in Yosemite, we must receive your cancellation or change requests at least thirty (30) days prior to your scheduled arrival date. Cancellation or changes to Housekeeping Camp reservations may only be changed after we receive your deposit, and a $10.00 handling fee, per unit will be charged for each change or cancellation. If you fail to arrive on the scheduled arrival date, your reservation will be canceled and you will not receive any refund or credit. We strictly enforce our cancellation/change policy and do not allow any exceptions.
Here's an update on the Pierce Family visit to Yosemite in 2012.
We have made reservations to be in Curry Village cabins the nights of August 22, 23, 24, 2012.
So, if you would like to join us, or if you would merely like to reserve the right to do so, you can do that by making a reservation at Curry Village here: http://www.yosemitepark.com/accommodations_curryvillage.aspx
We may be in Yosemite the few days prior for back-country hiking, but that is still in the works. We have submitted for the High Sierra Camp lottery for the nights of August 20 and 21 at May Lake and Sunrise Lake. Results are expected in January. You can submit here: http://www.yosemitepark.com/Accommodations_HighSierra_HowtoApply.aspx Mules are available for the high sierra camp. We are still organizing that, but suggest that if you are interested in the high sierra camp that you enter the lottery. It's free to enter and you can sort it out later if you get a spot.
The good news is that Yosemite has a liberal cancelation policy (see below). This means that you can just make a reservation for Curry Village or a hotel far in advance and, if it does not work out, get your money back as long as you cancel more than 7 days before arrival date.
It appears that Robert and Gertie will join us the nights of August 23 and 24. Perhaps Julie/Richard/John/Meredith/David can join for the other or same nights.
We will develop a daily activity plan which should include hikes to the falls, Tuolomne Meadows, Half Dome, and extensive use of the swimming pool and cocktail lounge. I'm sure David can just come along and we can squeeze him in somewhere.
Yosemite Cancellations and Changes - Requests for cancellation or changes may be made by calling our Central Reservation Office at (801) 559-4872 . We must receive requests for cancellation of or change to your reservations at least seven (7) days prior to your scheduled arrival date for a refund of your deposit. As for reservations related to special events in Yosemite, we must receive your cancellation or change requests at least thirty (30) days prior to your scheduled arrival date. Cancellation or changes to Housekeeping Camp reservations may only be changed after we receive your deposit, and a $10.00 handling fee, per unit will be charged for each change or cancellation. If you fail to arrive on the scheduled arrival date, your reservation will be canceled and you will not receive any refund or credit. We strictly enforce our cancellation/change policy and do not allow any exceptions.
September 15, 2011
September 14, 2011
September 13, 2011
September 12, 2011
September 9, 2011
More High Sierra Options
The Sequoia High Sierra Camp is a secluded camping resort that combines the best aspects of a wilderness adventure with the furnishings and guest amenities of a deluxe hotel.
http://www.sequoiahighsierracamp.com/
Nestled 11.5 miles into Sequoia's backcountry, high atop a 7,800-foot granite saddle overlooking the Great Western Divide, Bearpaw High Sierra Camp® has been pampering overnight guests for the past 76 years.
http://www.visitsequoia.com/bearpaw.aspx
http://www.sequoiahighsierracamp.com/
Nestled 11.5 miles into Sequoia's backcountry, high atop a 7,800-foot granite saddle overlooking the Great Western Divide, Bearpaw High Sierra Camp® has been pampering overnight guests for the past 76 years.
http://www.visitsequoia.com/bearpaw.aspx
September 7, 2011
Yosemite Photos
Just a few at Tuolomne Meadows. Perhaps Dubdubbydub can send me some more.
https://picasaweb.google.com/rrpjr1/Yosemite2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCJufqrXepJPjDw&feat=directlink
https://picasaweb.google.com/rrpjr1/Yosemite2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCJufqrXepJPjDw&feat=directlink
September 6, 2011
High Sierra Camp
Good resource link. See links in left column.
http://articles.latimes.com/1985-09-02/news/vw-23090_1_high-sierra-camps
http://articles.latimes.com/1985-09-02/news/vw-23090_1_high-sierra-camps
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