Rolling thunder woke me at 5 a.m. - a huge lightning show was going on over the lake. I took some video and some photos - might get a chance to post it later, if i can get myself moving more than 5 mph.
I've been FLAT for the last two days - either it was a bug or I just was out of gas. That means I will have one speed for today - SLOW.
Forecast is for rain showers 50-50 for the next couple days. I'll have to get out in it anyway for meetings.
I've been really mad at what Mugabe is doing in Zimbabwe - even after his opponent withdrew from the Presidential race his people have been killing and beating people. And nothing is done. Why should it always take OIL to get our attention?
I believe that the situation in Africa is a unique area that a President Obama COULD address, but not a white President. It needs to be addressed. Democracy is being murdered by people who are paying no price for their inhuman conduct. How can people watch and doing nothing about it is beyond me...
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Texas Governor's Mansion on Fire
I'm in Austin. I tried to watch "Meet the Press" on TV today - but the local news was all about the Governor's Mansion burning, a real shock. It started last night about 2 a.m. It sits only a mile or so from my hotel.
Had my window faced downtown, and I looked, I could have seen it burning--but the loss of that much history is too hard to watch even on TV. I'd rather not. Funny, but I woke up about that time. The A/C kept making odd noises.
Before coming here I attended the Hurricane convention at the George Brown in Houston. I was shocked that under "Preparations" they only listed two items, shutters and plywood! Plywood? How old tech for space city.
There was zero mention of New Tech -- Miami Dade certified Security Window Film -- which has been saving offices and houses in Florida for years! That was confirmed in the 2004 "Project Safe Windows" study of the Florida Hurricane damage caused that year. Buildings with security window film survived storms that destroyed buildings next door that did not have it. It's all because of wind-borne debris breaching windows and wind blowing the structure apart.
Not only does the film protect the building, it is "green" and cuts both UV rays and energy use. It works 24/7 (shutters and plywood don't). It's high tech and costs a fraction of shutters or impact glass. It's a win-win.
On top of security film, homeowners need to install a device I saw at the GRB to keep their garage doors from blowing in during a hurricane (this breach also leads to roof loss).
We need to upgrade our building technology BEFORE the next storm. But that requires the awareness to get there. I did not see that awareness among many of the emergency presenters yesterday at the GRB.
Hurricane season is here. Time is not on our side. We need to get new protection technology information to the public, and our emergency personnel, before it is too late.
Later, I hope to have breakfast with a niece I haven't seen in years before heading back.
Lated word: Missed Niece and this just came in from mom in Mason City Iowa, which barely missed the Parkersberg killer tornado:
"Nobody remembers when we have what is going on now. Floods Rain & more rain. We have so many flooded streets. Rose said they couldn't find a sump pump in town so they are bailing water out of the sump pump hole to keep water out of the basement. The water treatment plant shut down so I don't know how we are going to get fresh water at this time. We did have a couple of pitchers of water in the frig. All bottled water was already out in the stores,they are rescuing people from there homes any way possible."
Yikes.
Had my window faced downtown, and I looked, I could have seen it burning--but the loss of that much history is too hard to watch even on TV. I'd rather not. Funny, but I woke up about that time. The A/C kept making odd noises.
Before coming here I attended the Hurricane convention at the George Brown in Houston. I was shocked that under "Preparations" they only listed two items, shutters and plywood! Plywood? How old tech for space city.
There was zero mention of New Tech -- Miami Dade certified Security Window Film -- which has been saving offices and houses in Florida for years! That was confirmed in the 2004 "Project Safe Windows" study of the Florida Hurricane damage caused that year. Buildings with security window film survived storms that destroyed buildings next door that did not have it. It's all because of wind-borne debris breaching windows and wind blowing the structure apart.
Not only does the film protect the building, it is "green" and cuts both UV rays and energy use. It works 24/7 (shutters and plywood don't). It's high tech and costs a fraction of shutters or impact glass. It's a win-win.
On top of security film, homeowners need to install a device I saw at the GRB to keep their garage doors from blowing in during a hurricane (this breach also leads to roof loss).
We need to upgrade our building technology BEFORE the next storm. But that requires the awareness to get there. I did not see that awareness among many of the emergency presenters yesterday at the GRB.
Hurricane season is here. Time is not on our side. We need to get new protection technology information to the public, and our emergency personnel, before it is too late.
Later, I hope to have breakfast with a niece I haven't seen in years before heading back.
Lated word: Missed Niece and this just came in from mom in Mason City Iowa, which barely missed the Parkersberg killer tornado:
"Nobody remembers when we have what is going on now. Floods Rain & more rain. We have so many flooded streets. Rose said they couldn't find a sump pump in town so they are bailing water out of the sump pump hole to keep water out of the basement. The water treatment plant shut down so I don't know how we are going to get fresh water at this time. We did have a couple of pitchers of water in the frig. All bottled water was already out in the stores,they are rescuing people from there homes any way possible."
Yikes.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Only Way to Buy a Car
My Van went to the car doctor one time too many last week - the 4th visit in a month -- so I had to shop for a car. I discovered how much better it is with the Internet. Instead of wandering HOT through car lots, I did an Internet search and was able to spot the best car with the lowest mileage for the price - something impossible to do the old way.
I ended up at Carmax - and was impressed. There system is all computerized --no paper until the title stuff is printed at the end. They took my name and address and soon they had banks making offers so I could pick the lowest interest rate offered.
A few hours later, I drove out with a loaded 2005 Montana with only 28,000 miles on it - without paying a dime. My old van was enough for the down payment and the payments are only $285 - my last repair bill was that much! Amazing.
I took it by my trusted 20-year mechanic at the Swiss Garage and Mike said it was in great shape. And it gets a little better mileage than the van, has a DVD player and an audio warning when I get close to something when backing up. Wow, what a painless upgrade.
I highly recommend trying Carmax. It worked for me. I will need a reliable car as hurricane season gets underway. My Armor Glass International business is really on the upswing - people need the protection and this could be the year we get hit again.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Summer, Strong Winds and Pelicans
It's been non-stop work here on the Texas coast.
It makes it all the more special to be able to glance up once in a while to look out over Clear Lake. It's even better to get some time on the balcony, especially when your brain needs a break.
This morning the wind was blowing hard, as it has for months --which is highly unusual. I've noticed that high winds brings out the Pelicans, who often glide by in formation. It is amazing to watch them floating on the air, with their huge wings riding on the strong breeze. It's like watching a group of gliding F-16's skimming over the roof tops.
Have a great holiday weekend. After working through last weekend, I'm ready to take some time off! With gas closing in on $4/ gallon for regular, I'll pass on making an big holiday trip.
We are facing the opening of hurricane season June 1. They are predicting a "busy" season. Better rest (and prepare) now. It could be a wild summer.
It makes it all the more special to be able to glance up once in a while to look out over Clear Lake. It's even better to get some time on the balcony, especially when your brain needs a break.
This morning the wind was blowing hard, as it has for months --which is highly unusual. I've noticed that high winds brings out the Pelicans, who often glide by in formation. It is amazing to watch them floating on the air, with their huge wings riding on the strong breeze. It's like watching a group of gliding F-16's skimming over the roof tops.
Have a great holiday weekend. After working through last weekend, I'm ready to take some time off! With gas closing in on $4/ gallon for regular, I'll pass on making an big holiday trip.
We are facing the opening of hurricane season June 1. They are predicting a "busy" season. Better rest (and prepare) now. It could be a wild summer.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Consequences if Pentagon/White House Attacks Iran
There is serious consideration in the Pentagon and White House to launch an attack on Iran before President Bush leaves office – only 9 months from now -- in an effort to take out Iran’s nuclear program before the next President assumes office. A Washington Post article today confirms the planning. What would be the result of a U.S. attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities?
It’s happened before. Recently, Israeli fighter aircraft bombed a facility in Syria last September that was thought to be a copy of a North Korean nuclear reactor. Syria raised no verbal objections. In 1981, Israeli aircraft bombed Saddam’s Osiraq reactor near Baghdad.
But hitting Iran would have vastly different and extremely negative consequences for both the United States and the Middle East, despite the statements by Mr. Bush and Ms. Clinton who think the problem will be solved with bombs instead of international pressure and diplomacy.
According to a study by the Oxford Research Group, which accurately predicted the consequences of invading Iraq: “A US military attack on Iranian nuclear infrastructure would be the start of a protracted military confrontation that would probably involve Iraq, Israel and Lebanon as well as the United States and Iran, with the possibility of west Gulf States being involved as well. An attack by Israel, although initially on a smaller scale, would almost certainly escalate to involve the United States, and would also mark the start of a protracted conflict.”
Oxford thinks that the attack, either by Israeli or U.S. fighters, would be primarily an air attack without ground troops (since we don’t have another 150,000 troops needed for a third front in Iran.) Targets would be Iran’s nuclear facilities and defense systems. Iran could immediately strike back with its Mach 2 anti-ship “Sunburn” missile that could destroy an American aircraft carrier with 5,000 people onboard or a tanker -- in seconds. In 1987, A French Exocet hit the USS Stark in the Gulf, killing 37. The Sunburn is twice as fast and can carry a nuclear warhead.
The Oxford Group says “all the available evidence suggests that any military action (against Iran) would have a very powerful unifying effect within Iran…increasing both its political power base and its stability. It would lead to Iran attacking tanker traffic and conducting sabotage in the Persian Gulf states of Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (then watch oil prices make $100 barrel oil look like the “good old days.”) Moreover, Iran would be likely to encourage more militant action by Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon against Israel.
“Given the nature of the Iran/Iraq border, Iran would be in a very strong position to aid elements of the Iraqi insurgency in numerous ways, providing a wide range of armaments as well as personnel.” Iran could open a major new front in Iraq with millions of Shiite soldiers who could enter the contest. And, Oxford thinks the Iranians will quickly rebuild their nuclear program, so the strike would not stop the program, only delay it.
Iran has powerful allies that could make a strike on Iran into a global conflict. “Given recent major long-term economic agreements between Iran and China, and also between Iran and India, as well as close links with Russia, a US attack would attract major criticisms, including from two of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council – China and Russia.” Both are major nuclear military powers. And don’t forget we’ll need the Russian Soyuz to get to the International Space Station since our three Shuttles become museum pieces in 2010.
“Although there is an uneasy relationship between Shiite Iran and the (Sunni) al-Qaida movement, and between Iran and the Arab world, any attack on such a significant Islamic republic would inevitably increase the anti-American mood in the region,” says Oxford. “Suicide bombings will spread…” and will potentially reach America as a result of the increased tension.
As Russia, India and China continue to build powerful economies based on trade surpluses and profitable business, the U.S will be drained even further by trillions in (borrowed) new military expenditures in blood and treasure if it embarks on a new war with Iran. Watch Iraq explode as a result.
The gross incompetence in handling Iraq, Katrina, etc. (and confirmed by Sen. McCain) should be enough evidence for Congress to prohibit this President from creating greater damage in his closing days in power by launching another fiscally draining, misguided, poorly-planned war that will only make a bad situation worse.
Congress should pass a law that there be no military action against Iran until a new President takes over in January 2009 since that President will have to live with the consequences (along with our pocketbooks). The next President needs to make that call on Iran.
Let Congress hear your voice – unless you’d like to pay for another war that will generate more global terrorism, with the only guarantee being economic bankruptcy as more trillions are borrowed to finance it. Diplomacy remains the untraveled road in the Middle East.
It’s happened before. Recently, Israeli fighter aircraft bombed a facility in Syria last September that was thought to be a copy of a North Korean nuclear reactor. Syria raised no verbal objections. In 1981, Israeli aircraft bombed Saddam’s Osiraq reactor near Baghdad.
But hitting Iran would have vastly different and extremely negative consequences for both the United States and the Middle East, despite the statements by Mr. Bush and Ms. Clinton who think the problem will be solved with bombs instead of international pressure and diplomacy.
According to a study by the Oxford Research Group, which accurately predicted the consequences of invading Iraq: “A US military attack on Iranian nuclear infrastructure would be the start of a protracted military confrontation that would probably involve Iraq, Israel and Lebanon as well as the United States and Iran, with the possibility of west Gulf States being involved as well. An attack by Israel, although initially on a smaller scale, would almost certainly escalate to involve the United States, and would also mark the start of a protracted conflict.”
Oxford thinks that the attack, either by Israeli or U.S. fighters, would be primarily an air attack without ground troops (since we don’t have another 150,000 troops needed for a third front in Iran.) Targets would be Iran’s nuclear facilities and defense systems. Iran could immediately strike back with its Mach 2 anti-ship “Sunburn” missile that could destroy an American aircraft carrier with 5,000 people onboard or a tanker -- in seconds. In 1987, A French Exocet hit the USS Stark in the Gulf, killing 37. The Sunburn is twice as fast and can carry a nuclear warhead.
The Oxford Group says “all the available evidence suggests that any military action (against Iran) would have a very powerful unifying effect within Iran…increasing both its political power base and its stability. It would lead to Iran attacking tanker traffic and conducting sabotage in the Persian Gulf states of Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (then watch oil prices make $100 barrel oil look like the “good old days.”) Moreover, Iran would be likely to encourage more militant action by Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon against Israel.
“Given the nature of the Iran/Iraq border, Iran would be in a very strong position to aid elements of the Iraqi insurgency in numerous ways, providing a wide range of armaments as well as personnel.” Iran could open a major new front in Iraq with millions of Shiite soldiers who could enter the contest. And, Oxford thinks the Iranians will quickly rebuild their nuclear program, so the strike would not stop the program, only delay it.
Iran has powerful allies that could make a strike on Iran into a global conflict. “Given recent major long-term economic agreements between Iran and China, and also between Iran and India, as well as close links with Russia, a US attack would attract major criticisms, including from two of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council – China and Russia.” Both are major nuclear military powers. And don’t forget we’ll need the Russian Soyuz to get to the International Space Station since our three Shuttles become museum pieces in 2010.
“Although there is an uneasy relationship between Shiite Iran and the (Sunni) al-Qaida movement, and between Iran and the Arab world, any attack on such a significant Islamic republic would inevitably increase the anti-American mood in the region,” says Oxford. “Suicide bombings will spread…” and will potentially reach America as a result of the increased tension.
As Russia, India and China continue to build powerful economies based on trade surpluses and profitable business, the U.S will be drained even further by trillions in (borrowed) new military expenditures in blood and treasure if it embarks on a new war with Iran. Watch Iraq explode as a result.
The gross incompetence in handling Iraq, Katrina, etc. (and confirmed by Sen. McCain) should be enough evidence for Congress to prohibit this President from creating greater damage in his closing days in power by launching another fiscally draining, misguided, poorly-planned war that will only make a bad situation worse.
Congress should pass a law that there be no military action against Iran until a new President takes over in January 2009 since that President will have to live with the consequences (along with our pocketbooks). The next President needs to make that call on Iran.
Let Congress hear your voice – unless you’d like to pay for another war that will generate more global terrorism, with the only guarantee being economic bankruptcy as more trillions are borrowed to finance it. Diplomacy remains the untraveled road in the Middle East.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
The Woman Who Would Be Bush
Hillary Clinton said she'd nuke Iran if necessary, one of the most reckless statements a Presidential candidate can make -- as she herself has said in the past. Now she seems ready to be more Bush than Bush to show her "executive" capacity.
If anything, Clinton's statement shows how dangerous it would be to put in office someone who somehow feels driven to show how masculine she can be with military force, just like Bush. Like Bush, she has never served in the military and has never had to dodge sniper bullets, but flip statements about dropping nuclear weapons on an Islamic country can only raise great concern worldwide about another American President being reckless in starting wars that prove costly and only increase bitterness against us - worldwide.
Why she would make such a statement is unknowable - but it shows a desperate overreaching that bodes ill for the American people if she obtains control of the White House and mimics leaders like Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, who can't let go of power after 28 years either, despite losing an election.
If Clinton finds a way to change the rules in the 4th quarter to steal the nomination from Mr. Obama -- by resorting to character assassination, gutter politics and nuclear triggers -- then we will end up no better than we were during the last eight years under Mr. Bush. He is another leader who never went to war but started one that cost so much blood and treasure the next President needs to extinguish it, not add yet another one that could end in a doomsday showdown with Russia, Iran's ally.
Clinton's stated readiness to nuke another country shows a dangerous new trend that makes her unqualified to represent a new face of America....
If anything, Clinton's statement shows how dangerous it would be to put in office someone who somehow feels driven to show how masculine she can be with military force, just like Bush. Like Bush, she has never served in the military and has never had to dodge sniper bullets, but flip statements about dropping nuclear weapons on an Islamic country can only raise great concern worldwide about another American President being reckless in starting wars that prove costly and only increase bitterness against us - worldwide.
Why she would make such a statement is unknowable - but it shows a desperate overreaching that bodes ill for the American people if she obtains control of the White House and mimics leaders like Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, who can't let go of power after 28 years either, despite losing an election.
If Clinton finds a way to change the rules in the 4th quarter to steal the nomination from Mr. Obama -- by resorting to character assassination, gutter politics and nuclear triggers -- then we will end up no better than we were during the last eight years under Mr. Bush. He is another leader who never went to war but started one that cost so much blood and treasure the next President needs to extinguish it, not add yet another one that could end in a doomsday showdown with Russia, Iran's ally.
Clinton's stated readiness to nuke another country shows a dangerous new trend that makes her unqualified to represent a new face of America....
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Flag Pins and True Patriotism
I heard the nice lady ask Sen. Obama at the Philadelphia debate last night why he doesn’t wear a flag pin while running for President.
But what does that really mean when current leaders wear flag pins yet put our veterans on repeated tours in Iraq, and then put them in a rundown Walter Reed hospital with rats running down the halls, and oversee a system that cuts their benefits if they become a sole survivor?
A military ‘sole survivor’ is a family that has already lost brothers or sisters in Iraq, so if a brother is killed the last surviving brother or sister (or son or daughter) is forced to leave the service and Iraq. But then our government cuts their benefits. The sole survivor, who has been serving in Iraq, loses his or her education benefits and medical benefits under the current system.
The same leaders who wear flag pins and tout their support for our troops yet leave in place a system that cuts a service member’s benefits when they become a military ‘sole survivor’ is not my idea of true American leadership -- or respect for the pin they are wearing.
So how does wearing a flag pin signify true leadership and support of American families when your tax policies favor only the top 2% of Americans and no-bid contracts for your vice-presidents former company? I’d rather a President wear no flag and support the other 98% of us.
Does a President who always wears a flag pin and allows this system to unfairly treat the veterans risking their lives for all Americans show real values and leadership? How does that pin show real support for our troops when actions are otherwise? Does taking us into an unplanned and mismanaged war show patriotism because the President appointed people like Paul Bremer with no experience in Iraq while wearing a flag on his lapel?
Take it a step further, for instance Kenya. How does a leader wearing a Kenya national flag on his lapel --who instigates violent attacks, and even killing by his supporters -- show true patriotism for that country? How does a flag pin-wearing Zimbabwe President who won’t give up power after 28 years and refuses to release poll results show patriotism and respect for their people?
I would prefer a President who didn't wear a pin who did the right thing versus a President who wears the pin and does the wrong thing. It's even worse to make the flag associated with leadership arrogance, mistakes and blunders.
People need to look for true symbols of patriotism, which are thoughtful, meaningful Actions that take care of the bottom 98% instead of the top. Otherwise, wearing the flag pin is just a charade and doesn’t show real respect for the flag they are wearing.
But what does that really mean when current leaders wear flag pins yet put our veterans on repeated tours in Iraq, and then put them in a rundown Walter Reed hospital with rats running down the halls, and oversee a system that cuts their benefits if they become a sole survivor?
A military ‘sole survivor’ is a family that has already lost brothers or sisters in Iraq, so if a brother is killed the last surviving brother or sister (or son or daughter) is forced to leave the service and Iraq. But then our government cuts their benefits. The sole survivor, who has been serving in Iraq, loses his or her education benefits and medical benefits under the current system.
The same leaders who wear flag pins and tout their support for our troops yet leave in place a system that cuts a service member’s benefits when they become a military ‘sole survivor’ is not my idea of true American leadership -- or respect for the pin they are wearing.
So how does wearing a flag pin signify true leadership and support of American families when your tax policies favor only the top 2% of Americans and no-bid contracts for your vice-presidents former company? I’d rather a President wear no flag and support the other 98% of us.
Does a President who always wears a flag pin and allows this system to unfairly treat the veterans risking their lives for all Americans show real values and leadership? How does that pin show real support for our troops when actions are otherwise? Does taking us into an unplanned and mismanaged war show patriotism because the President appointed people like Paul Bremer with no experience in Iraq while wearing a flag on his lapel?
Take it a step further, for instance Kenya. How does a leader wearing a Kenya national flag on his lapel --who instigates violent attacks, and even killing by his supporters -- show true patriotism for that country? How does a flag pin-wearing Zimbabwe President who won’t give up power after 28 years and refuses to release poll results show patriotism and respect for their people?
I would prefer a President who didn't wear a pin who did the right thing versus a President who wears the pin and does the wrong thing. It's even worse to make the flag associated with leadership arrogance, mistakes and blunders.
People need to look for true symbols of patriotism, which are thoughtful, meaningful Actions that take care of the bottom 98% instead of the top. Otherwise, wearing the flag pin is just a charade and doesn’t show real respect for the flag they are wearing.
Monday, April 14, 2008
At the Mercy of Technology
Sometimes we need a reminder how dependent we have become on our technology--and how we pay it no mind until it doesn't work.
My reminder came this weekend when suddenly the wireless router went offline - the cable guy said they weren't the problem. So I had to go to the store and buy two different routers and engage in geek battle in order to (finally) get the new wireless working. Even then it isn't yet "secure" since that part of the program never made an appearance. I'll have to figure that part out next. Being a geek is tough work.
Whatever happened to just "plug it in and it works"? Anyway, even a day over the weekend without Internet access was like a year -- an isolating feeling. Yes I could still access it via the Blackberry but its not the same as using the laptop to check bank records, email, etc. when you are home.
My reminder came this weekend when suddenly the wireless router went offline - the cable guy said they weren't the problem. So I had to go to the store and buy two different routers and engage in geek battle in order to (finally) get the new wireless working. Even then it isn't yet "secure" since that part of the program never made an appearance. I'll have to figure that part out next. Being a geek is tough work.
Whatever happened to just "plug it in and it works"? Anyway, even a day over the weekend without Internet access was like a year -- an isolating feeling. Yes I could still access it via the Blackberry but its not the same as using the laptop to check bank records, email, etc. when you are home.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The Callers Who Sounded Bitter
I spent part of the morning listening to the Washington Journal TV program on cable talking about the world food crisis that is a looming Tsunami and taking calls from ordinary people. They had one line for Democrats and another for Republicans. It was hard to tell which was which since all callers wanted to stop free trade, cut off food exports to the Middle East, stop giving money away to foreign countries, punish etc. The callers wanted to PUNISH someone for our situation.
They all certainly sounded bitter to me! Every one of them sounded angry and their comments were hard and uncompromising. The callers who sounded white and middle class – both Democrats and Republicans--sounded very bitter.
One lady caller said that she didn’t want to hear about food problems elsewhere in the world when our own prices are too high. It wasn’t a concern. That struck me as both petty and bitter.
Like many, she doesn’t see how that jeopardizes our own security. I heard no one call in worried about millions of people starving and fighting over declining food sources. None of them seemed to realize that this growing global food crisis will affect our own security. Vietnam did exactly what many of the callers demanded (keep our food for ourselves.) Vietnam stopped exporting rice, causing prices to jump 30%. India is doing the same, cutting global food sources and spiking prices for people who can’t afford the jump.
Food prices are up 40% from last year, and the trend is not stopping. Part of it stems from the rising cost of fuel, and part because ethanol production based on our food sources like corn is taking food off the market. That’s why bread is now $3 a loaf. We need to shift ethanol feedstock from corn to non-food sources such as switch grass, which can be grown on marginal land. That would also preserve our good land for food production and put more supply back into the market.
The callers wanted to withhold our money and our support. If this isn’t bitterness, what is? Starving people are more willing to start wars than well-fed ones.
The problem is that the more everyone withholds, the greater the problem begins. People forget that the Great Depression of the 30’s was made worse as countries started imposing tariffs on other countries and trade slowed down. We seem to be doing the same thing all over again. The free trade agreement with Colombia is in trouble; however, it would actually benefit Americans. Colombians can import into the U.S. without tax; yet Americans have to pay up to 80% taxes to export our products to Colombia unless we enact the free trade pact. So without it we lose jobs – the opposite of what many Americans think.
To solve these issues, especially one involving something as necessary for human life as food, the World is waiting for America to move forward with a global plan of action… let’s hope they don’t have to wait too long or else they might get bitter….
They all certainly sounded bitter to me! Every one of them sounded angry and their comments were hard and uncompromising. The callers who sounded white and middle class – both Democrats and Republicans--sounded very bitter.
One lady caller said that she didn’t want to hear about food problems elsewhere in the world when our own prices are too high. It wasn’t a concern. That struck me as both petty and bitter.
Like many, she doesn’t see how that jeopardizes our own security. I heard no one call in worried about millions of people starving and fighting over declining food sources. None of them seemed to realize that this growing global food crisis will affect our own security. Vietnam did exactly what many of the callers demanded (keep our food for ourselves.) Vietnam stopped exporting rice, causing prices to jump 30%. India is doing the same, cutting global food sources and spiking prices for people who can’t afford the jump.
Food prices are up 40% from last year, and the trend is not stopping. Part of it stems from the rising cost of fuel, and part because ethanol production based on our food sources like corn is taking food off the market. That’s why bread is now $3 a loaf. We need to shift ethanol feedstock from corn to non-food sources such as switch grass, which can be grown on marginal land. That would also preserve our good land for food production and put more supply back into the market.
The callers wanted to withhold our money and our support. If this isn’t bitterness, what is? Starving people are more willing to start wars than well-fed ones.
The problem is that the more everyone withholds, the greater the problem begins. People forget that the Great Depression of the 30’s was made worse as countries started imposing tariffs on other countries and trade slowed down. We seem to be doing the same thing all over again. The free trade agreement with Colombia is in trouble; however, it would actually benefit Americans. Colombians can import into the U.S. without tax; yet Americans have to pay up to 80% taxes to export our products to Colombia unless we enact the free trade pact. So without it we lose jobs – the opposite of what many Americans think.
To solve these issues, especially one involving something as necessary for human life as food, the World is waiting for America to move forward with a global plan of action… let’s hope they don’t have to wait too long or else they might get bitter….
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
UFO's and Texas: A Perfect Match
If there are UFO's from space, then its clear that the best place for them to land (should they decide to do so) would be Texas. Why? Because we are so diverse that probably few would even notice them. For details I refer you to my article published today in the Global American Series.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Americans Going “Green” to Save Health and Money
Americans are Greening for Health and Energy Benefits, Even if the Government Isn’t
There has been a 100% increase in asthma cases in the U.S. in the last 20 years. Asthma is the No. 1 reason kids miss school. Increased pollution has doubled the chance of stroke. We have twice as much pollen due to CO2 increases. Global warming will cost us more in power unless we take dramatic action now.
As a result Americans aren’t waiting on their government to go “green” and the coming changes will impact your office, your home and your wallet – by cutting your energy costs.
Austin, Texas is on the cutting edge of this movement. Its city council is upgrading Austin’s building codes with the goal that all new homes will be “Zero Energy Capable Homes” by 2015. That means that single-family homes would produce as much energy as they consume. That means adding everything from radiant barriers to solar panels.
In Houston, 75% of our Class A building owners intend to adopt the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ which is a certification program. Why? Because it will cut their energy costs for one. For another, studies have shown that LEED- certified buildings have higher occupancy rates, so they make more money, and sell for a higher price per square foot than non-LEED buildings. They tend to have higher occupancy rates. Law firms in Houston are the second most active group pushing these changes. Homeowners should join them to save money as energy costs continue to climb.
New materials, solar panels, reflective roofs, cutting energy loss through windows – all add up to billions in potential savings. One Houston company sells a “cool roof” that cuts energy costs by 30%. The owner tells me that they have a backlog of work while the “tar and sand” flat roof competitors have little to do. The winds are shifting and the smart technology is taking over old ways. The days of black tar roofs have gone the way of the dodo bird.
I have been personally involved with a window film technology that is “green” in that it provides storm security while also providing filtering that cuts energy loss through windows. One homeowner told me their power bills dropped $150/month after installing it. It was put on for hurricane protection so it’s a win-win. The film also kept errant golf balls from penetrating the windows during the rainy season while they were traveling.
However, the U.S. is lagging the rest of the world in energy efficiency, so we have a lot to do, but the good news is that a lot of savings could be easily captured. I met a former consul general from Germany this week, who advised me that Germany changed it incentives to favor renewable energy. They now have so many windmills producing electricity that they had to modify the incentive program to make sure they weren’t built in areas that had no wind!
Our Congress should help accelerate the adoption of “green” technology by creating new tax incentives for adding renewable energy and cutting energy waste on our offices and homes – from giant wind farms, to solar panels on houses. We could be building solar farms in our vast deserts. By working both ways, we could have a win-win.
And if that cuts our global warming and lowers our pollution, we also get health benefits. What is there not to like about that?
There has been a 100% increase in asthma cases in the U.S. in the last 20 years. Asthma is the No. 1 reason kids miss school. Increased pollution has doubled the chance of stroke. We have twice as much pollen due to CO2 increases. Global warming will cost us more in power unless we take dramatic action now.
As a result Americans aren’t waiting on their government to go “green” and the coming changes will impact your office, your home and your wallet – by cutting your energy costs.
Austin, Texas is on the cutting edge of this movement. Its city council is upgrading Austin’s building codes with the goal that all new homes will be “Zero Energy Capable Homes” by 2015. That means that single-family homes would produce as much energy as they consume. That means adding everything from radiant barriers to solar panels.
In Houston, 75% of our Class A building owners intend to adopt the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ which is a certification program. Why? Because it will cut their energy costs for one. For another, studies have shown that LEED- certified buildings have higher occupancy rates, so they make more money, and sell for a higher price per square foot than non-LEED buildings. They tend to have higher occupancy rates. Law firms in Houston are the second most active group pushing these changes. Homeowners should join them to save money as energy costs continue to climb.
New materials, solar panels, reflective roofs, cutting energy loss through windows – all add up to billions in potential savings. One Houston company sells a “cool roof” that cuts energy costs by 30%. The owner tells me that they have a backlog of work while the “tar and sand” flat roof competitors have little to do. The winds are shifting and the smart technology is taking over old ways. The days of black tar roofs have gone the way of the dodo bird.
I have been personally involved with a window film technology that is “green” in that it provides storm security while also providing filtering that cuts energy loss through windows. One homeowner told me their power bills dropped $150/month after installing it. It was put on for hurricane protection so it’s a win-win. The film also kept errant golf balls from penetrating the windows during the rainy season while they were traveling.
However, the U.S. is lagging the rest of the world in energy efficiency, so we have a lot to do, but the good news is that a lot of savings could be easily captured. I met a former consul general from Germany this week, who advised me that Germany changed it incentives to favor renewable energy. They now have so many windmills producing electricity that they had to modify the incentive program to make sure they weren’t built in areas that had no wind!
Our Congress should help accelerate the adoption of “green” technology by creating new tax incentives for adding renewable energy and cutting energy waste on our offices and homes – from giant wind farms, to solar panels on houses. We could be building solar farms in our vast deserts. By working both ways, we could have a win-win.
And if that cuts our global warming and lowers our pollution, we also get health benefits. What is there not to like about that?
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Texas convention
For the record, yesterday I attended a Democrat State Convention for Senate District 11, which was at a hall in Pasadena. It was PACKED with people.
Contrary to news reports, I saw a relatively quiet, orderly, fair process -- even though it was LONG and SLOW. I even took a photo of two women, one an Obama and the other a Clinton supporter, who were sharing a smoke outside the convention.
The leaders gave everyone plenty of time to put their delegations together since all of us were scrambling to fill empty delegate slots with alternates. We had one guy who had to go to a funeral before the vote. Luckily he came back in time for the vote.
Amazingly we got to do the business we came for about 1 p.m. The vote in our two linked precincts took less than 5 minutes. The count was 9 Obama and 8 Clinton. Had it been a tie, the decision would have been made with a coin toss. The alternate delegate position automatically went to the runner up. Then those of us who wanted to bail out did, while those who wanted to vote on resolutions could stay. I bailed.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Why Globally Clueless Americans Need an Honest President
Let’s face it. Most Americans know so little about other countries and their people that if the President made a misstatement of fact to Americans, something like “ Al Qaida is working with Iran/Saddam,” they’d believe it. They’d believe it not knowing that Shiites (Iran) and Sunnis (Al Qaida) have hated each other for centuries. About the only thing they might not believe is that Iraq is made of green cheese.
Yet some odd things are coming out...This is why they need an honest President...
The full article is published under today's date at:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GlobalAmerican/
By the way, everyone has been assuming the "surge" was working. Actually, it was more of a lull as the Sunni's and Shiites both pulled back. Now the majority Shiites under the Mahdi Army are firing things up again in Basra. All hell could break loose, surge or no surge. That will mean that even an increase in troops cannot keep the lid on if Shiites and Sunnis resume their sectarian killing ways.
Yet some odd things are coming out...This is why they need an honest President...
The full article is published under today's date at:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GlobalAmerican/
By the way, everyone has been assuming the "surge" was working. Actually, it was more of a lull as the Sunni's and Shiites both pulled back. Now the majority Shiites under the Mahdi Army are firing things up again in Basra. All hell could break loose, surge or no surge. That will mean that even an increase in troops cannot keep the lid on if Shiites and Sunnis resume their sectarian killing ways.
Monday, March 24, 2008
"Pilot Shoots Down His Own Aircraft" No, But Close
Well, not quite, although a pilot did discharge a gun in the cockpit during a flight. The bullet went into the seat. Had it gone through the side it could have depressurized the aircraft, which could have led to the above fictional headline.
I'm not sure I want to be a passenger of some guy practicing his quick draw in the cockpit. I'd rather the rules specify that they keep the big iron buttoned up in a holster -- unless and until a time when some hijacker is actually banging on the door. If so, they can blast away all they want.
Until then I recommend none of the airlines show any more Westerns during the in-flight movie.
I'm not sure I want to be a passenger of some guy practicing his quick draw in the cockpit. I'd rather the rules specify that they keep the big iron buttoned up in a holster -- unless and until a time when some hijacker is actually banging on the door. If so, they can blast away all they want.
Until then I recommend none of the airlines show any more Westerns during the in-flight movie.
Geronimo & Iraq
I watched “Geronimo” last night, a riveting piece. This morning it dawned on me that there is a connection between the lessons of Geronimo and Iraq. As you know Geronimo was the last Apache holdout when America swept over Indian lands. Our army couldn't catch him but finally they induced him to surrender himself (the first time).
One line in the entire movie was a stunner. It was something I’ve never heard anywhere. Yet given the time and place I think I know what they were saying.
One white actor who was part of the group trying to capture Geronimo at one point that casually stated: “Texans, the lowest form of white man.”
He was referring to a group of men who were killing Indians to get a bounty on Apache scalps. They even killed the children and women of other tribes just to get the money. I had never heard that term before, but it was fascinating to hear a white person rating another one in that context. Has anyone ever heard anything like that before? Were Texans really so lowly regarded by other whites back in the era of Geronimo?
The other fascinating thing about the Geronimo program was the international connection. Before being captured a second time, Geronimo was killing Mexican citizens and their army as well as American settlers and our army taking Indian land on the U.S. side. Apache territory was really part of two different countries, Mexico and the U.S.
In the end, the U.S. army and government made promises to get Geronimo to surrender, since he was such a stealthy terrorist that no one could catch him. And they broke them. In fact it came out that they had no intention of keeping them.
And even our allies, Indians who had left the Apaches and helped our troops as invaluable scouts, got the ax. The old General had figured out that the only way to catch the crafty Indian leader was for the army to use Indian guides. Our army had never come close on its own.
However, in the end the new replacement General treated the Indian scouts who had joined our forces and helped our troops as if they were like Geronimo himself. They were stripped of their guns and made prisoners with the man they had tried to help capture.
I highly recommend watching it if you can. Some things have changed since then (Texans are hopefully NOT the lowest form of white man anymore). But some things have not changed.
I wonder what will happen to all of those people who have helped Americans in Iraq when the pull out finally does happen. Let's hope we treat them better than the way we treated the Indian scouts who helped us finally capture Geronimo.
One line in the entire movie was a stunner. It was something I’ve never heard anywhere. Yet given the time and place I think I know what they were saying.
One white actor who was part of the group trying to capture Geronimo at one point that casually stated: “Texans, the lowest form of white man.”
He was referring to a group of men who were killing Indians to get a bounty on Apache scalps. They even killed the children and women of other tribes just to get the money. I had never heard that term before, but it was fascinating to hear a white person rating another one in that context. Has anyone ever heard anything like that before? Were Texans really so lowly regarded by other whites back in the era of Geronimo?
The other fascinating thing about the Geronimo program was the international connection. Before being captured a second time, Geronimo was killing Mexican citizens and their army as well as American settlers and our army taking Indian land on the U.S. side. Apache territory was really part of two different countries, Mexico and the U.S.
In the end, the U.S. army and government made promises to get Geronimo to surrender, since he was such a stealthy terrorist that no one could catch him. And they broke them. In fact it came out that they had no intention of keeping them.
And even our allies, Indians who had left the Apaches and helped our troops as invaluable scouts, got the ax. The old General had figured out that the only way to catch the crafty Indian leader was for the army to use Indian guides. Our army had never come close on its own.
However, in the end the new replacement General treated the Indian scouts who had joined our forces and helped our troops as if they were like Geronimo himself. They were stripped of their guns and made prisoners with the man they had tried to help capture.
I highly recommend watching it if you can. Some things have changed since then (Texans are hopefully NOT the lowest form of white man anymore). But some things have not changed.
I wonder what will happen to all of those people who have helped Americans in Iraq when the pull out finally does happen. Let's hope we treat them better than the way we treated the Indian scouts who helped us finally capture Geronimo.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Resurrection - political and otherwise
One of the best analysis of the current political situation was published by Frank Rich today. I think he hits the nail on the head.
This weekend four (4) of the world's religions are celebrating a special time. "Hindus are celebrating Holi, Christians are celebrating Easter, Muslims are celebrating the birthday of Muhammad, and Zoroastrians (and non-Zoroastrian Iranians and Central Asians) are celebrating Nauroz or the spring equinox." It sounds like a good excuse to make it a long weekend OFF.
Bottom Line: We need to start practicing what we preach. Osama bin laden is threatening the Pope and the Danes are re-opening old wounds by re-publishing the Mohamed cartoons that started riots last year. Chinese troops are shooting Tibetans, suicide bombers are still at work and everyone seems to be focused on poking the other guy in the eye.
and whats this about John McCain talking about Iran training Al Qaida when Iran is Shiite and Al Qaida is Sunni? After it happened several times I have to wonder if age is going to play a bigger role than people realize in this race. Either he forgot his foreign policy experience or it was a deliberate misstatement, which is not something McCain does. Very odd and Not Good.
Folks, we have no where to go but UP.
FYI My Global American Series (or GAS) article released today is entitled: "Why Can President Go to China (Despite Tibet) But Not Iran?" It's so logical you'll think Spock wrote it (maybe not).
Happy Easter...Here's to "Better Times Ahead".
This weekend four (4) of the world's religions are celebrating a special time. "Hindus are celebrating Holi, Christians are celebrating Easter, Muslims are celebrating the birthday of Muhammad, and Zoroastrians (and non-Zoroastrian Iranians and Central Asians) are celebrating Nauroz or the spring equinox." It sounds like a good excuse to make it a long weekend OFF.
Bottom Line: We need to start practicing what we preach. Osama bin laden is threatening the Pope and the Danes are re-opening old wounds by re-publishing the Mohamed cartoons that started riots last year. Chinese troops are shooting Tibetans, suicide bombers are still at work and everyone seems to be focused on poking the other guy in the eye.
and whats this about John McCain talking about Iran training Al Qaida when Iran is Shiite and Al Qaida is Sunni? After it happened several times I have to wonder if age is going to play a bigger role than people realize in this race. Either he forgot his foreign policy experience or it was a deliberate misstatement, which is not something McCain does. Very odd and Not Good.
Folks, we have no where to go but UP.
FYI My Global American Series (or GAS) article released today is entitled: "Why Can President Go to China (Despite Tibet) But Not Iran?" It's so logical you'll think Spock wrote it (maybe not).
Happy Easter...Here's to "Better Times Ahead".
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Passport Snooping - Are You next?
Your social security number could be in jeopardy. Under the present system, you won't know it unless you happen to be running for President.
The news that low level people in the State Department were able to access the Passport information of all three remaining Presidential candidates(including that all valuable social security number), raises a bigger question.
Have these State Department contractors (whoever they are) also accessed celebrity Passports? If low level people can access files of the few running for President, then is anyone's information safe? What if these employees were accessing files in order to pass social security numbers to criminal elements--for ID theft purposes? Could the State Department's system allow for political abuse of the system?
The State Department protection software doesn't keep people from accessing these files; it only notifies ("flags") access of files of high profile persons after its happened, like Presidential candidates. If you are not a "high profile" person, then there is no notification. That would make the State Department a great place for ID theft by people hired by the State Department.
An investigation of the State Department's security system for passports (and any government agency that possesses peoples' social security numbers) is in order.
If not, your information could be accessed by some contract employee at the State Department or another government agency that has the same valuable social security information -- and if you are not a Presidential candidate, no one will know about it.
The news that low level people in the State Department were able to access the Passport information of all three remaining Presidential candidates(including that all valuable social security number), raises a bigger question.
Have these State Department contractors (whoever they are) also accessed celebrity Passports? If low level people can access files of the few running for President, then is anyone's information safe? What if these employees were accessing files in order to pass social security numbers to criminal elements--for ID theft purposes? Could the State Department's system allow for political abuse of the system?
The State Department protection software doesn't keep people from accessing these files; it only notifies ("flags") access of files of high profile persons after its happened, like Presidential candidates. If you are not a "high profile" person, then there is no notification. That would make the State Department a great place for ID theft by people hired by the State Department.
An investigation of the State Department's security system for passports (and any government agency that possesses peoples' social security numbers) is in order.
If not, your information could be accessed by some contract employee at the State Department or another government agency that has the same valuable social security information -- and if you are not a Presidential candidate, no one will know about it.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Justice and Race in America - Why are People like Rev. Wright Mad?
If you want to understand someone, there is a saying that "you have to walk a mile in their shoes." To understand why people like Rev. Wright is blasting away at America from the pulpit, just look at yesterday's decision by the U.S. Supreme Court and ask yourself "How can this be happening in the 21st century in America?"
The U.S. currently has more people in prison than China or Russia. Most are minorities and about half are in prison for non-violent offenses. If you are black and are caught with a small amount of drugs, you are in the slammer for years. If you are Rush Limbaugh and are caught with illegal quantities of Oxycontin, you still have a radio show making millions per year. Is this fair?
On the 5th anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the death penalty for a black man who killed his wife's lover in
an emotional rage. In Texas, a "heat of passion killing" like this is still considered to be a lesser homicide by the law -- and by people. It's not
something anyone would get the death penalty for.
The U.S. Supreme Court was bothered by the Louisiana prosecutor deliberately cutting blacks from the jury. The same thing has been an admitted practice by a
Houston Assistant District Attorney, Ms. Seigler, who is running to replace Houston's last DA (who happened to be fond of racist and sexist jokes). She even cut people from juries for going to the "wrong" church (i.e., Lakewood).
So it was an all white jury who gave the black defendant the death penalty. Our highest court threw that out in a 7-2 vote. All this comes on the heels of
many people wondering how Rev. Wright could be mad at the United States and its racially-biased justice system?
If you were being denied a jury of your peers wouldn't YOU be mad as h___ and "not going to take it anymore!?" We aren't talking about wrongs committed decades ago by our ancestors. We are talking about racist actions happening TODAY that treat blacks much harsher than whites.
This death case, and the recent conduct of Houston's chief prosecutor, should make it clear to Americans that blacks are paying the ultimate price for racist
attitudes. Those attitudes have affected Hispanics and women as well.
Injustice based on color is STILL happening, every day. How many white defendants are convicted without fellow whites included in the jury? How many whites would think it was fair to be given the death penalty for a heat of passion crime with a jury that had zero whites on it?
America, we do have a problem with racism, I'm sorry to say. We can't condemn people who are the victims of that racism for getting angry about it. If such racism was killing your friends and neighbors, I think you would feel even more angry than the outrage we heard from Rev. Wright.
Until we fix our justice system --and people change their attitudes -- we cannot condemn a candidate for what his preacher says; if you do, then you also have to be fair and blame John McCain for his "minister's problem."
And you can't blame any preacher for being angry at such gross injustice in places like Louisiana and across the United States that this Supreme Court case
has exposed to the light of day. If you were walking in the shoes of those condemned, would you?
Under our Constitution we are all created equal. We need to start acting like it so we really can move beyond race.
The U.S. currently has more people in prison than China or Russia. Most are minorities and about half are in prison for non-violent offenses. If you are black and are caught with a small amount of drugs, you are in the slammer for years. If you are Rush Limbaugh and are caught with illegal quantities of Oxycontin, you still have a radio show making millions per year. Is this fair?
On the 5th anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the death penalty for a black man who killed his wife's lover in
an emotional rage. In Texas, a "heat of passion killing" like this is still considered to be a lesser homicide by the law -- and by people. It's not
something anyone would get the death penalty for.
The U.S. Supreme Court was bothered by the Louisiana prosecutor deliberately cutting blacks from the jury. The same thing has been an admitted practice by a
Houston Assistant District Attorney, Ms. Seigler, who is running to replace Houston's last DA (who happened to be fond of racist and sexist jokes). She even cut people from juries for going to the "wrong" church (i.e., Lakewood).
So it was an all white jury who gave the black defendant the death penalty. Our highest court threw that out in a 7-2 vote. All this comes on the heels of
many people wondering how Rev. Wright could be mad at the United States and its racially-biased justice system?
If you were being denied a jury of your peers wouldn't YOU be mad as h___ and "not going to take it anymore!?" We aren't talking about wrongs committed decades ago by our ancestors. We are talking about racist actions happening TODAY that treat blacks much harsher than whites.
This death case, and the recent conduct of Houston's chief prosecutor, should make it clear to Americans that blacks are paying the ultimate price for racist
attitudes. Those attitudes have affected Hispanics and women as well.
Injustice based on color is STILL happening, every day. How many white defendants are convicted without fellow whites included in the jury? How many whites would think it was fair to be given the death penalty for a heat of passion crime with a jury that had zero whites on it?
America, we do have a problem with racism, I'm sorry to say. We can't condemn people who are the victims of that racism for getting angry about it. If such racism was killing your friends and neighbors, I think you would feel even more angry than the outrage we heard from Rev. Wright.
Until we fix our justice system --and people change their attitudes -- we cannot condemn a candidate for what his preacher says; if you do, then you also have to be fair and blame John McCain for his "minister's problem."
And you can't blame any preacher for being angry at such gross injustice in places like Louisiana and across the United States that this Supreme Court case
has exposed to the light of day. If you were walking in the shoes of those condemned, would you?
Under our Constitution we are all created equal. We need to start acting like it so we really can move beyond race.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Global Cultural Blunders that cost us
Wind gusts near 70 mph are hitting Texas today. It's like we've been in a wind tunnel the last couple of days, with constant howling winds. I am wondering if I've been transported somehow back to West Texas.
On Saturday, which was the "Ides of March," I gave a talk on global cultural blunders that cost us business and politically. As a test I am going to embed part of the talk below, to see if it works. If not, it's also on "YouTube" under the ID "Fjet2020"
On Saturday, which was the "Ides of March," I gave a talk on global cultural blunders that cost us business and politically. As a test I am going to embed part of the talk below, to see if it works. If not, it's also on "YouTube" under the ID "Fjet2020"
Monday, March 17, 2008
Storms, Break Ins and Tornado Protection
Word came by email this morning that Grandmother had passed away - on St. Patrick's Day and during high holy week. For a life-long Catholic like her, it doesn't get any better than that! She had made it to 100 years of age and showed great strength right to the end. It's the end of an era but now she can be with her deceased husband and children "on the other side."
Over the weekend, Atlanta was hit by 'urban tornadoes' that caused glass windows to rain down on Atlanta's streets. CNN's building was hit. Ironically, I had called on them while attending a glass convention last year to introduce them to our security window film that would have provided protection and kept glass from spraying like shrapnel. Their building is all glass and, like many, is an accident waiting to happen. Had it been a car bomb the damage would have been worse.
Yesterday I blogged about protecting NASA employees from a potential hurricane or car bomb after a car mysteriously plowed into its security fence - from the INSIDE.
Armor Glass technology could have also prevented windows from being breached by debris from the falling crane in New York.
Then today there was another story about the drummer for ABBA, who may have been killed by glass that cut his throat after falling into a pane at his house. Armor Glass protection would have protected him and saved his life --putting its nano-tech/film shield between him and the glass.
With all the talk about the lousy economy, people have forgotten about security. But if you are dead or injured from a storm or falling into one of your windows, it won't matter how the economy is doing.
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