Beeline2Beauty

RIP Michael Jackson and Ted Kennedy

Goodbye Ted Kennedy

Today was a sad day in the world of politics as the great Senator from Massachusetts, Ted Kennedy was laid to rest.  His funeral was well attended with past and present Presidential figures and dignitaries, and eulogized by current President and friend, Barack Obama.  This is a testament to the great man he was, and the many accomplishments he made throughout his life.  Ted Kennedy was a man of the people, and one who believed in standing up for the rights of all men.   One can simply look at the different legislation he stood behind to see that he was clear on what was right.  He  held a major role in the many  battles for civil rights.  He  fought for the disabled, and was a loud voice in the cause of human rights and democracy across the world.  He spoke up for minimum wage and reprimanded his fellow Senators when he felt they were trying to defeat a worthy cause.

Senator Kennedy worked hard his entire life to promote humanity, dignity and opportunity for all Americans.  His life is over,  but we can truly say, "Job well done."  May he rest in peace.

Happy 51st Birthday Michael

Today is the day that would have been the 51st birthday of the legendary singer, Michael Jackson.  I am so happy that many have sought to pay tribute to him and immortalize his sensational career.  Although he was well known for his music, many are still not aware of his tremendous humanitarian deeds.  He lived his music, and his money allowed him to have a positive impact on many lives through charitable giving.  Michael understood the parable which states, "to whom much is given, much is to be expected."  He was selfless in his giving, and truly desired to make the world a better place.  On this his 51st birthday, let's all wish him a happy birthday.  He is missed along with so many others whose lives have intersected and impacted our own in a profound and extraordinary way.

Does Facebook and Twitter = Theft?

 

For a while now, I have been very apprehensive about what to put on Facebook.  I've recently learned not to post when I am going on vacation, or accept unknown people as friends.  I don't accept gifts, do quizzes, or play games.  I just think that Facebook is extremely invasive.  Each time you try to accept a gift, it asks you for authorization to pull your friend list.  I always say no to the request.  I was recently on MSNBC and they reported that Facebook and Twitter are now being used to target people for theft and robbery.  For instance, let's say you got a new plasma television and you want your friends to know.  Not so fast.  If you have a multitude of friends that you don't know, you could be setting yourself up for theft.  I personally make it a practice to try and be as evasive a possible on Facebook for that very reason.  Don't put up pictures of your nice house and the nice things you've acquired over the years.  That's asking for trouble.  Also, don't accept anyone as a friend, unless there is a real connection.    It's not how many friends you have, but the quality of that friendship.  Who cares if you have 2,000 dormant friends on Facebook or Twitter - and what!  

Where it gets a little sticky is when you are combining your business and personal information on Facebook or Twitter.  In this instance, it's difficult to turn away friends, because they could be potential customers.  To circumvent this problem, you could set up a group with your company name.  That way, you can keep your business and personal life separate.  I don't really subscribe to that yet, because sometimes your friends, are your clients, or they want to know what you're doing in the business world.  

The most important thing is to be aware that whatever you place on a social networking site can be viewed and discovered by almost anyone.  Having that fact in mind, you'll have to find a happy medium of information that you are willing to place on your social networking account.

The People

Ted Kennedy Dies (1932-2009)

Today is indeed a sad day as  Massachussett's Senator, Ted Kennedy has succumbed to his battle with brain  cancer.  Just two weeks ago, the Kennedy's buried his sister, Eunice Kennedy, who was the founder of the Special Olympics.  Senator Kennedy was the youngest brother of President, John Kennedy, and one of the longest surviving members of the senate.  Ted Kennedy was a true giant in the senate, and was part many major bills that have affected millions of Americans.  He stood up for civil rights, Americans with Disabilities, and most recently, he was on the trail for Universal Healthcare.  He was a consummate legislator with a truly remarkable life.  He will be missed.

Cash For Clunkers Ends Today

The government sponsored, "Cash For Clunkers" program ends today.  The latest report puts the costs at 2.8 billion dollars.  Oh, how my stomach just turns at the thought of all that money being spent so quickly.  I personally think there are bigger fish to fry, like stabilizing the housing market.  This was a foolish and temporary fix for a real financial problem.   Why are we spending so much money, when our economy continues to tank, and jobs continue to be lost.  The program was developed to help the auto industry out of its current financial crisis.  I guess you could call it an auto industry bailout.  We don't have the money, or the resources for such a program.  This money is borrowed and must be paid back with interest.  Hmmh, what is interest on 2.8 billion dollars?  I think the government needs to refocus their efforts on the continuing mortgage crisis and job creation.  It doesn't take a Harvard education to know this.  I'm going to file this one under, "Oops I did it again."

Capitalism, A Love Story - Film By Michael Moore

In a world where many of us live day to day with our eyes wide shut, Film Director, Michael Moore brings the reality of life's untruths and disparities into perspective.  His last film, Sicko brought attention to the healthcare crisis and the disparity between the profitable American system of healthcare and that of other nations.  His latest movie entitled, "Capitalism, A Love Story"  focuses on the global economic crisis as it transitioned from the Bush Administration to the Obama Administration.  Moore is unapologetic for his in your face demeanor, and demand for the truth.  I am really looking forward to the movie.  As we have all been touched, or beat up by this reversal of fortune, his movie is sure to shed some light into the underlying causes of the economic meltdown.  The opening date of the film is October 2, 2009.

Why I Love the Iphone

In the world of technology, there is simply no rival to the wonderful world of Apple and the Iphone.  Apple has proven time and time again that it is the industry leader for a handheld touch phone.  Unfortunately, Apple still has the coveted agreement with AT&T which disallows users of other wireless companies to own the Iphone, without some sort of hacking intervention.   Recently, I came very close to purchasing the Iphone.  So close, that the representative could taste my desire.  I am hungry for that phone.  However, when the rep went over all of the a la carte pricing that AT&T has, in addition to the fact that they do not offer insurance for the Iphone, I decided to take a pass.  What I really wish is that another company would thoroughly research the qualities that make the Iphone so special and make a comparable phone.  Not some sloppy, second rate duplicate.  Thus far, all attempts have failed.  I currently have the Sprint HTC Diamond, which is a touch screen phone.  What they fail to tell you is that you will need certification to use the phone.  It is not user friendly and without reading the book that came along with it, you are lost.  I have been privvy to use the Apple Iphone by some kind owners, and the applications, as well as the ability for you to pinch the screen to enlarge it is really wonderful.  Not to mention that it is just a beautiful phone.   I've decided that when my contract is complete with Sprint, I am running over to AT&T to become a member of the exclusive Iphone club.  I'm going to file this one under, "I can't wait".

Michael Jackson Burial

I am an avid Michael Jackson fan and like the rest of the world, I was devastated at his passing.  It was surreal and sad, but, I grieved and came to accept the grim fact that he was gone.  Many rumors surfaced regarding his burial, and final resting place.  Some purported that it would be Neverland, and others indicated that he would be buried at Forest Lawn.  The temporary delay in burial was apparently due to completion of toxicology on a part of his organ, which the family wanted buried with him.  That was several weeks ago.  I am now being informed that the family has chosen to bury Michael on his birthday, August 29.  Quite frankly, I was astonished at this, because it seems to be another entertainment ploy.  I am not sure why they could not have sought to bury him quietly and keep his birthday as a day of celebration for fans.  Now, instead of celebrating his birthday, many fans (not me) will converge on Forest Lawn in hopes of catching a glimpse of his famous casket.  It will be another day of grieving, as he is laid to rest.  This seems like a Joe Jackson scheme, but I'm told that Joe has no say in anything.  I think a private ceremony would have been very dignified.  Now it's going to be another circus.  To add insult to injury, fans will not be able to visit MJ.  He is going to be buried in the Great Mausoleum, and the only people allowed in that area are the workers of Forest Lawn and family members.  Well, if you want to visit, you better get a job at the funeral home, or all bets are off.  I'm filing this one under "Hmmph "?