38n121s's Blog

The US Lawmakers Have Turned Into The California Legislature

38n121s — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 16:30:18 +0000

The Washington lawmakers have suddenly decided to follow California’s lead in getting along and passing legislation. No matter the difference or what happens to the stock market your 401k or whether or not you get you Social Security check. As long as they win the argument then it’s all worth it. Unfortunately I believe the damage is done to our ability to say that our credit is rock solid and our bonds are backed by the full faith of the US Treasury. So China who funds all the fun stuff we like to do on our credit cards like I don’t know what. Say two wars a prescription drug benefit that we can’t afford. Housing subsidies so people take longer to lose their houses etc. Well, China may just decide to take their ball and go somewhere else. Or more likely take their ball of cash to purchase debt and buy it somewhere else.

Will China abandon buying US debt

I dont’ think China will abandon buying US debt but what if they diversified. You know like your financial advisor is telling you to do. Say they diversified 50%. They didn’t sell any Treasuries they own but just started buying half of what they usually buy to buy debt from other places. As an investor it makes sense to me. But what happens to our credit cards. Well they get cut in half. We can only afford one war at a time. We can’t afford to let everyone buy a house even if they can’t afford it. This whole thing goes across both aisles all the way down to Wall St. and Main St. all the way down to you and me. We are the ones who want more services but no taxes. We are the ones that say cut programs but oh not mine.

The California Legislature

You may ask yourself how does this all relate to the California Legislature? Well, the California Legislature has perpetually missed budget deadlines due to not being able to compromise with each other and get along across the aisle. Here in California we are looking at about a 15 billion dollar deficit in this years budget to be made up I don’t know how. Some of the problems in California are that the minority group in the legislature has the power at budget time because it takes a two-thirds vote to pass a budget. That was recently changed. So this is basically what has happened in Washington you have a large majority and the minority is using this one item to fight to get what it wants to hell with the rest of us. Don’t let the Dems off the hook either because I believe they would do the same they just didn’t think of it when they were in the minority.

So where does that leave us? Are you doing anything different now in expectations that the deal will not get done and we will default on our debt. So Are you pulling your money out of the market and going to cash? Or are you trying to refinance and trying to speed up the process so it will be cheaper or maybe are you just spending less this month thinking you won’t get paid next month if you are getting some kind of government check like social security.

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Happy Fourth of July America

38n121s — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 14:48:46 +0000

Today is the Fourth of July so I hope you are out somewhere watching a parade or running a 10k or at the beach celebrating the birth of our country. Have some good food with good friends and celebrate that is what the fourth is all about. Along the way stop and think about some of the sacrifices that people have made so we can celebrate today.

Amazon Tax Day In California

38n121s — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 02:08:08 +0000

Today in California Governor Brown passed the state budget for the first time on time in many years which is quite an accomplishment for the state of California. I must give him credit for that. However part of the savings, 370 million dollars worth actually is what they thought they could bring in annually with this tax, in California’s massive budget shortfall was to be paid by online companies such as www.Amazon.com collecting taxes on the sales of their online associates of which I am one. But, as expected that money will never appear in California’s coffers because myself and every other Amazon Associate today received the following email

Hello,For well over a decade, the Amazon Associates Program has worked with thousands of California residents. Unfortunately, a potential new law that may be signed by Governor Brown compels us to terminate this program for California-based participants. It specifically imposes the collection of taxes from consumers on sales by online retailers – including but not limited to those referred by California-based marketing affiliates like you – even if those retailers have no physical presence in the state.We oppose this bill because it is unconstitutional and counterproductive. It is supported by big-box retailers, most of which are based outside California, that seek to harm the affiliate advertising programs of their competitors. Similar legislation in other states has led to job and income losses, and little, if any, new tax revenue. We deeply regret that we must take this action.

As a result, we will terminate contracts with all California residents that are participants in the Amazon Associates Program as of the date (if any) that the California law becomes effective. We will send a follow-up notice to you confirming the termination date if the California law is enacted. In the event that the California law does not become effective before September 30, 2011, we withdraw this notice. As of the termination date, California residents will no longer receive advertising fees for sales referred to Amazon.com , Endless.com, MYHABIT.COM or SmallParts.com . Please be assured that all qualifying advertising fees earned on or before the termination date will be processed and paid in full in accordance with the regular payment schedule.

You are receiving this email because our records indicate that you are a resident of California. If you are not currently a resident of California, or if you are relocating to another state in the near future, you can manage the details of your Associates account here . And if you relocate to another state in the near future please contact us for reinstatement into the Amazon Associates Program.

To avoid confusion, we would like to clarify that this development will only impact our ability to offer the Associates Program to California residents and will not affect their ability to purchase from Amazon.com , Endless.com ,MYHABIT.COM or SmallParts.com .

We have enjoyed working with you and other California-based participants in the Amazon Associates Program and, if this situation is rectified, would very much welcome the opportunity to re-open our Associates Program to California residents. We are also working on alternative ways to help California residents monetize their websites and we will be sure to contact you when these become available.

Regards,

The Amazon Associates Team

So, as you can see Amazon has no intention of paying these taxes or paying California the 370 million dollars they are expecting each year in their budget so the money will need to come from other places such as education or law enforcement or elsewhere in the budget. It’s not as if this was an unknown outcome this has happened in every state where this Amazon tax has been proposed. So instead of gaining the 370 million dollars they are losing all the taxes that myself and all the other affiliates earn every year. As I mentioned here. If it was just me it would be one thing but there are something like 10,000 affiliates in California how much do they make and spend off of this program?

Spreckels 4th of July Celebration Time

38n121s — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:56:09 +0000

It’s that time of year again for the Spreckels 4th of July Celebration. That’s where I’m going to be on the 4th in Spreckels Ca. Celebrating the 4th of July with a 10k run or the 1 miler for the kids and all the old cars in the parade. Don’t forget the fireman’s muster that afternoon. The best plan is to just bring some chairs and plan to spend the whole day. There are many groups that come out and this is their fundraiser for the year. Such as the Boy Scouts and other groups so come and support these local groups they can really use it this year. For more information go here. The only thing this small town celebration is missing is the fireworks I mean come on its fourth of July. There will also be food booths and arts and crafts booths set up. They have face painting for the kids, a little something for everyone so come on out and enjoy an old fashioned celebration.

Who Wins In Taxing Amazon Affiliates?

38n121s — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 15:44:04 +0000

The California Legislature cannot wait to tax Amazon Affiliates. They approved a bill this week that would tax Amazon Affiliates on their sales in California. The legislature believes that this will generate 370 million dollars for the state budget that is constantly late and underfunded. However in other states where similar laws as this have went through companies like Amazon and Overstock.com have simply severed ties with their affiliates located in those states. So that $370 million will simply not appear on California’s books. Because that money will simply be made by affiliates in other states. So how many affiliates does Amazon have in California? That question hasn’t been answered but some say thousands. It’s not as if California doesn’t get it’s cut of these affiliates money because after they make it from amazon where do you think they spend it? Of course they spend it in California to help the California taxpayers and Legislature. But if they are all closed down they will all be out of business and not earning money from Amazon.com to be taxed and spent in California. Who will be the winner in this battle of taxing the affiliates? I believe that the legislature will eventually tax amazon and they will sever ties with all affiliates in the state much like they have in every other state that’s tried this. So someone has to win in this right, of course they do. Who will win is the last state that doesn’t tax affiliates will have all the affiliates with all the affiliate income that they earn being spent in their state. So do we want to be one of the states that get rid of all of our affiliates or do we want to be the last state that has affiliates?

Now I have to reveal that I have a vested interest in this. I am an affiliate for Amazon.com. Now if this happens don’t worry I won’t starve but the state will not be getting the money they are expecting to get now nor will they be getting the taxes off the money that the affiliates earn and spend in the state of California everyday.

What Are You Doing For Dad On Fathers Day

38n121s — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 17:21:23 +0000

In Celebration of Dad

Dad’s kind of get the shaft as far as holidays go. But this year what are you going to do to tell your dad that hey man I really care. Think about it this is the guy that got you to run faster and climb higher up that tree even though you fell and mom told you not too. Basically he’s the one that always believed in you even sometimes when you didn’t believe in yourself. He’s the guy that got you to ask they cute girl out to the dance. The same guy that convinced you to break up with that boyfriend that was not really good for you. He’s the one that told you to follow your heart when you said you wanted to go to art school when everyone said you would starve. So with father’s day coming remember your dad. Take him out to the golf course and hit 18 holes just like he taught you. Don’t pull any shots either because he didn’t raise a loser. Or if he’s into coffee buy him a couple of pounds of the best at his favorite coffee shop. Or take him fishing at his favorite fishing hole from when you were a kid. whatever you do just remember. It doesn’t take much with dad just thanks and a card even. Happy Fathers Day. What are you getting your dad for fathers day leave it in the comments.

The Teenage Entrepreneur

38n121s — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 03:08:31 +0000

Remember when you were a teenager. You know when you needed some money for a car or to take a girl out or just to have it to spend on stuff. You did stuff, most of us didn’t go put in applications and get jobs like teens do now. Some of us mowed lawns or babysat or watered plants while people were on vacation. Some kids I knew back then had actual jobs but it was usually working for their families or friends of their families. I guess that is how kids are getting summer jobs now as well through networking since most of the summer jobs for kids are being taken by adults. Adults with way too much experience and way too much education to be working at a fast food place or at the boardwalk or some of the other places they are working but there aren’t too many jobs elsewhere for adults. So the jobs out there that used to go to kids in the summer are now going to these adults and leaving the unemployment rate for teens at something close to 25 or 30%.

So, what I think teens need to do now is go back to that time and not put in the applications which they will be turned down for and simply go down their block with their lawnmower to all the houses with lawns that need to be mowed. If you figure out that if you charge average about $35.00 -$40.00 to mow a lawn twice a month and it takes you 30 minutes to mow it each time then you are making $17.50 – to $20.00 an hour minus gas expenses. Now what other things can you do if you are a teen and you don’t want to do something like mowing lawns? Well, remember that flute, guitar, drum, or whatever kind of instrument you play. Well a lot of parents these days are looking to pay for lessons for their elementary age kids. If you look at Craigslist.com they are paying $20.00 – $30.00 per hour for lessons. I’m sure your parents got you lessons when you were this age now it’s time you give back to some kids of that age as well. Some other things you can do. Well, if you like animals, you can walk dogs or take care of them when their owners are away. Usually people pay $20.00 a day to board their dog at a kennel and they would rather just have someone come and feed and walk their dog and let it stay at their own house. You must be very responsible this is someones home and pet we are talking about here. Another pet job is dog running. Don’t laugh people have very active dogs such as Jack Russell Terriers or Labs that need a lot of exercise and don’t have the time to walk them but they would like to have someone come say twice a week and take them for a 30 minute run. If you are on the track or cross-country team at school you can look online to see what this pays in your area. Good luck and think outside the box to build your own job this summer.

Electrolux Vac From The Sea The Beginning of Solving The Plastic Ocean Crisis

38n121s — Sat, 28 May 2011 17:27:07 +0000

Back in 2010 the Electrolux company was having trouble sourcing recycled plastics for its new vacuum manufacturing. Looking around and you can’t find recycled plastic and there a pile the size of the state of Texas just floating in the ocean for the taking. So once you are looking at free materials then your cost of production goes down. Much like the TerraCycle business model of getting the basic materials cheap and building products that consumers want and need at a price that is reasonable. Not to mention all the free press on blogs and Facebook that your products get for being green and the goodwill your company gets for doing the same.

So now if this one vacuum company can do it and make a profitable product line then other companies should be able to as well. Think of all the companies that use plastic just for consumer products and you can see the implications of getting the stuff for free. The effect it would have on the company’s bottom line would be huge. Not to mention that plastic is made out of oil, with oil being high cost now that makes this cheaper to do. I guarantee if we saw that pile of plastic as oil sitting out there for the taking it wouldn’t be there today.

Every company cannot do this get boats go out pick up the plastic and bring it to shore. Then they have to separate it into different types and melt it down for reuse. So what if instead of that model the model became something like fishing. You don’t go out and catch an Alaskan lobster you buy a ready to serve lobster. So if a company did this on a large enough scale they could see this plastic to manufacturers for a profit. So instead of ABC Widget company going out and getting plastic to use they buy ready to use plastic from a company that does that as their sole business. In this way it could be done on a large enough scale to make it not only profitable but could eventually reach the point where we are taking out more than is going into the garbage patch each year. Then at some point far in the future we would get to a point of peak plastic in the ocean. Like peak oil but we would run out of plastic in the ocean to recycle. I know wishful thinking but if it became economically feasible it could happen.

Locations of Monterey, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara County EV Charging Stations

38n121s — Sat, 28 May 2011 00:50:40 +0000

As more and more people adopt electric vehicles for daily use EV charging stations need to become more common. Not as common as gas stations mind you because you can always charge your EV at home which you don’t have the option of that with a gas vehicle. The locations of all the EV charging stations in Monterey county are as follows.

West Custom House Garage

Washington St & E. Franklin st. Monterey Ca

Costco Salinas

1339 N. Davis Rd. Salinas Ca

Rabobank

1285 N. Davis Rd. Salinas CA

Santa Cruz Garage

601 Front Street Santa Cruz Ca

Presentation Center

19480 Bear Creek Rd. Los Gatos Ca

Toyota of Santa Cruz

4200 Auto Plaza Drive Capitola Ca

Santa Clara Valley Water District

5750 Alamden Expressway San Jose Ca

Becket PC Solutions

323 Los Altos Dr. Aptos Ca

Victory Toyota

5 Herzinger Plaza Seaside Ca

Oxton Kennels

400 River Road Salinas Ca

This list is mostly for Monterey county with some Santa Cruz and Santa Clara county in there too so this should get you a charge on that day trip down here to Monterey for wine tasting or up to the Tech museum in Santa Clara county.

Haunted Hotels and Cattle Drives

38n121s — Fri, 27 May 2011 19:00:50 +0000

So, this last weekend I was traveling through the California Gold country town of Ione. Located off state route 104 Ione is a small gold rush era town of about 7500 people. All the old building have been left intact on the main street with the modern town grown up around it to give it an old-time flair with the modern conveniences we all take for granted every day. My stay brought me to the Ione Hotel a historic hotel built-in the 1850′s to serve miners of the day. They have a nice bar with a good crowd on a Friday night singing karaoke and having a good time. The rooms were clean and they were the old style with the toilet tank hanging up by the roof with a pull chain. A great hotel I would stay there again. The next day whenever I saw my friends or some of the locals when they asked me where I stayed and I told them the Ione hotel their first response was always “Did you know that place is haunted”? followed by I want to stay there. Just to clear it up no, I didn’t see any ghosts or goblins.

After a night at the Ione Hotel you can walk down the block and have either brunch or lunch at Clarks Corner a nice local meeting place restaurant. One of the nice things about Clarks Corner is all the things they have going on. It seems there is always something. For instance they sponsor the Clarks Corner cycling challenge. But if just sitting back and having a glass of wine is your thing be there on Fridays they have wine tasting put on by local wineries. Ione is located in the old gold country but it’s located in a new wine country so more and more wineries are coming here. Clarks usually has live music a couple of nights a week and art shows and poetry readings also. Just a lot going on there.

After having brunch at Clarks Corner I was driving out to Lake Comanche to meet some friends and here are these guys in the middle of the road on four wheelers in a modern-day cattle drive. It was pretty cool to see that as it’s something that’s kind of lost in this modern world here are these modern-day cowboys pushing their cows for about ten miles I followed them at a pretty slow pace I have to say. It was a sight though especially for all the kids hanging out of car windows and checking out all the cows. So overall this was a pretty good adventure.