Now money with these sorts of images might encourage some of us to save more.....and, on the other hand, it might drive others to spend, spend, spend!
But in either scenario, money would be a lot more interesting than it is today!
Showing posts with label Money. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Money. Show all posts
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Where's The Money?
Where do the wealthiest Americans live? North Dakota with its fabled "highest percentage of Millionaires in American per capita"? Old money bastians like Cook County Illinois with it's retail, meat packing, and railroad interests; Malcolm County Michigan home of the Auto Industry magnets and their lumber and copper predicessors? Or Warren County Ohio with it's Oil, Rubber, and Iron Ore Processing industrial base? How about newer money? Places like Harris County Texas (Oil Refining) and Los Angeles County, California (motion pictures)?
Well, of course, I'm leading the witness. It's none of the above.
According to a census report of the top ten counties with a quarter of a million inhabitants and above, and the top ten counties with a population below a quarter million (i.e. Large and Small Counties); ten of the twenty are found in Virginia and Maryland and ring the nation's capital. Of the remaining wealthy counties: central New Jersey hosts 3, New York & California 2 each, and 1 for Colorado, Tennessee and Georgia.
Besides Washington DC, the municipalities that have standing include New York City, Denver, Atlanta, and Nashville.
My county ranks 7th in the large county catagory with a mean household income of $87,624. I am grateful to report that I am able to live here just a scosh above the average. And as a public school teacher (even with 23 years of experience), that's REALLY saying something.
The big picture lesson? Hmmm.... Politics pays? Cheers!
Well, of course, I'm leading the witness. It's none of the above.
According to a census report of the top ten counties with a quarter of a million inhabitants and above, and the top ten counties with a population below a quarter million (i.e. Large and Small Counties); ten of the twenty are found in Virginia and Maryland and ring the nation's capital. Of the remaining wealthy counties: central New Jersey hosts 3, New York & California 2 each, and 1 for Colorado, Tennessee and Georgia.
Besides Washington DC, the municipalities that have standing include New York City, Denver, Atlanta, and Nashville.
My county ranks 7th in the large county catagory with a mean household income of $87,624. I am grateful to report that I am able to live here just a scosh above the average. And as a public school teacher (even with 23 years of experience), that's REALLY saying something.
The big picture lesson? Hmmm.... Politics pays? Cheers!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Cramping Their Style
These images are from a BCI publicity campaign. The text reads: "Bci Fondos Mutuos has over 65 years of experience in products specially thoughts for each one of your needs of investment. So we don't just make grow your money... but also your trust and security." Perhaps Bci, could employ a translator as clever as their conceptual/graphic artist?
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is
And in this season of political despair, that means contributions to candidates who are in tough races.
My checks have gone to many. I am just an elementary school teacher; and while single and working for a generous system, I am NOT a wealthy man. So I have made the choice to bite the bullet, and forego discressionary spending to hopefully be part of the growing tide for change in a way that not only benefits my aspirations for this great nation, but helps to counter the corporate mechanisms that render too many votes in other places neuter.
My list?
Nick Lampson - TX22 ~ $50
Nancy Boyda - KS2 ~ $50
Brad Ellsworth - IN8 ~ $50
Tammy Duckworth - IL6 ~ $100
Gerald McNerney - CA11 ~ $50
Patricia Madrid - NM1 ~ $50
Ed Perlmutter - CO7 ~ $50
John Hall - NY19 ~ $50
Michael Arcuri - NY22 ~ $50
Patrick Murphy - PA8 ~ $250
Andrew Duck - MD6 ~ $100
Chris Van Hollen - MD8 ~ $25
Heathe Shuller - NC11 ~ $50
Ron Klein - FL22 ~ $50
Christine Jennings - FL13 ~ $50
Ken Lucas - KY4 ~ $50
Senate:
Clare McCaskill - MO ~ $200
Harold Ford - TN ~ $150
Ned LaMont - CT ~ $50
Total: $1,325 My Federally mandated cap is $2,100; My Mortgage payment is $1,953..... I have supported 19 candidates for public office in critically important districts and states for less than it costs me to enjoy 30 days in the comfort of my home. All things are relative, but no matter what happens on November 7th; my conscience is clear. I know I have stepped up to the plate and done the research, watched the trends, and made the wisest investments that I can.
Your Turn....before it's too late.
My checks have gone to many. I am just an elementary school teacher; and while single and working for a generous system, I am NOT a wealthy man. So I have made the choice to bite the bullet, and forego discressionary spending to hopefully be part of the growing tide for change in a way that not only benefits my aspirations for this great nation, but helps to counter the corporate mechanisms that render too many votes in other places neuter.
My list?
Nick Lampson - TX22 ~ $50
Nancy Boyda - KS2 ~ $50
Brad Ellsworth - IN8 ~ $50
Tammy Duckworth - IL6 ~ $100
Gerald McNerney - CA11 ~ $50
Patricia Madrid - NM1 ~ $50
Ed Perlmutter - CO7 ~ $50
John Hall - NY19 ~ $50
Michael Arcuri - NY22 ~ $50
Patrick Murphy - PA8 ~ $250
Andrew Duck - MD6 ~ $100
Chris Van Hollen - MD8 ~ $25
Heathe Shuller - NC11 ~ $50
Ron Klein - FL22 ~ $50
Christine Jennings - FL13 ~ $50
Ken Lucas - KY4 ~ $50
Senate:
Clare McCaskill - MO ~ $200
Harold Ford - TN ~ $150
Ned LaMont - CT ~ $50
Total: $1,325 My Federally mandated cap is $2,100; My Mortgage payment is $1,953..... I have supported 19 candidates for public office in critically important districts and states for less than it costs me to enjoy 30 days in the comfort of my home. All things are relative, but no matter what happens on November 7th; my conscience is clear. I know I have stepped up to the plate and done the research, watched the trends, and made the wisest investments that I can.
Your Turn....before it's too late.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Is nothing sacred?
US Postage Stamps are to become the newest bill boards for corporate logos....alas. And as Rachel Maddow observed on her radio show, can money be far behind?
This from the Washington Post:
"Stamps to Become a Marketing Vehicle"
By Caroline E. Mayer
Wednesday, May 24, 2006; Page D01
Advertising might soon be pushing the envelope.
The U.S. Postal Service is allowing companies to create their own branded stamps for first-class mail. Instead of flags, you can expect to see a company logo; instead of photos of famous Americans, you might see pictures of your local real estate agent.
It is a test, part of an effort to reverse the decline in first-class mailings. As USPS spokeswoman Joanne Veto said, "We want to make mail more interesting to consumers."
The first company to buy in is Hewlett-Packard, which is using its corporate logo and pictures from its early days -- including founders Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard -- on mail sent to customers and partners.
"HP views this as an opportunity to extend the brand," said Gary Elliott, vice president of brand marketing in a statement. "It is a new 'brand canvas.' " The cost can be as little as 10 cents extra per stamp. The money goes to vendors who manufacture the stamps.
For the past year, consumers have been able to create personal stamps, with pictures of babies, pets and other loved ones, for about twice the cost of a regular stamp. But advertising was barred from stamps until earlier this year when Congress overturned a 19th-century law barring commercial images on stamps.
This from the Washington Post:
"Stamps to Become a Marketing Vehicle"
By Caroline E. Mayer
Wednesday, May 24, 2006; Page D01
Advertising might soon be pushing the envelope.
The U.S. Postal Service is allowing companies to create their own branded stamps for first-class mail. Instead of flags, you can expect to see a company logo; instead of photos of famous Americans, you might see pictures of your local real estate agent.
It is a test, part of an effort to reverse the decline in first-class mailings. As USPS spokeswoman Joanne Veto said, "We want to make mail more interesting to consumers."
The first company to buy in is Hewlett-Packard, which is using its corporate logo and pictures from its early days -- including founders Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard -- on mail sent to customers and partners.
"HP views this as an opportunity to extend the brand," said Gary Elliott, vice president of brand marketing in a statement. "It is a new 'brand canvas.' " The cost can be as little as 10 cents extra per stamp. The money goes to vendors who manufacture the stamps.
For the past year, consumers have been able to create personal stamps, with pictures of babies, pets and other loved ones, for about twice the cost of a regular stamp. But advertising was barred from stamps until earlier this year when Congress overturned a 19th-century law barring commercial images on stamps.
Monday, July 18, 2005
“Money, Money, Money, Money........Money!”
......Thus sang the O’Jay’s way back when. And I realize that what I am about to propose is blasphemy in the eyes of our present paradigm -- so when is it better to be a radical? Yet, ironically, I really don’t think that this is as radical as it is obvious. It’s time to rethink our money....or, more accurately the portraits found upon the bills and coins of our currency. And given the recent flexibility in this realm (both mental and real), why not? We’ve seen the Sacajawea dollar coin (an EXCELLENT beginning); the state quarters, the Louisiana Purchase nickels. Even the conservative Republicans have proposed replacing FDR on the dime with RWR.
And have you seen the Euros? Or the Brazilian coranados? Or the South Africa rand? They all attempt to portray people from a variety of disciplines within their cultures -- people who have made a difference.
So this is what I would love to see.
Money with portraits on one side, and images that reflect the greatness of our nation on the other (no more old buildings). Now granted, there are some patriots who deserve to be remembered. So to this end, I would want to keep Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin around; and Lincoln is safe, too. Let the $1 bill still show a portrait of Washington, and on the flip side a scene from the Revolutionary War featuring Sybil Ludington or Molly Pritchard. The $5 bill retains Lincoln with a reverse image of African Americans standing proud and the phrase “...and justice for all” clearly legible.
As to the ten and twenty, hmmm: Hamilton and Jackson have to go!
For the $10 bill, I propose Frederick Douglass, and on the back an image depicting a free press -- (imagine that, again!). On the $20 (something even more radical), I want to see the image of Rachel Carson; and on the back a Robin in the branches of a Maple tree with the phrase, “a sense of wonder preserved.” On the $50 bill let’s kiss Grant’s sorry ass good-bye and replace his portrait with that of Sequoia, and on the back an image of a plains American Indians’ pow wow (or something indicative of Native American culture and values). Keeping Franklin on side A, on the back of the $100 let's have a picture of the space shuttle with the phrase, “A free people make sacrifices to invent the future.”
As to coins; let’s stop the redundancy of human portraits -- AND return to images of animals (just 'cause I like animals!). The Penny can show an eagle on side A and a portrait of Harriet Tubman on side B. The Nickel can have a pair of white tailed deer on side A and portraits of John and Abigail Adams on Side B. The Dime can show a Coho Salmon leaping against a water fall on side A and portraits of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt on side B. The Quarter can show a Grizzly Bear on side A and a portrait of Nancy and Ronald Reagan on side B. (Shocked? Don’t be. I really believe in justice for all. Now, of course, Nancy has to die before this can happen--so not something I expect to happen soon--, but won’t the astrologers be happy?) On the Fifty-cent piece let’s put an Otter on the A side, and Emily Dickinson on the B side. On the Dollar coin, let’s put the grey squirrel on side A and retain Sacagawea on side B.
This is just meant as a place to start this discussion. What do you think?
And have you seen the Euros? Or the Brazilian coranados? Or the South Africa rand? They all attempt to portray people from a variety of disciplines within their cultures -- people who have made a difference.
So this is what I would love to see.
Money with portraits on one side, and images that reflect the greatness of our nation on the other (no more old buildings). Now granted, there are some patriots who deserve to be remembered. So to this end, I would want to keep Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin around; and Lincoln is safe, too. Let the $1 bill still show a portrait of Washington, and on the flip side a scene from the Revolutionary War featuring Sybil Ludington or Molly Pritchard. The $5 bill retains Lincoln with a reverse image of African Americans standing proud and the phrase “...and justice for all” clearly legible.
As to the ten and twenty, hmmm: Hamilton and Jackson have to go!
For the $10 bill, I propose Frederick Douglass, and on the back an image depicting a free press -- (imagine that, again!). On the $20 (something even more radical), I want to see the image of Rachel Carson; and on the back a Robin in the branches of a Maple tree with the phrase, “a sense of wonder preserved.” On the $50 bill let’s kiss Grant’s sorry ass good-bye and replace his portrait with that of Sequoia, and on the back an image of a plains American Indians’ pow wow (or something indicative of Native American culture and values). Keeping Franklin on side A, on the back of the $100 let's have a picture of the space shuttle with the phrase, “A free people make sacrifices to invent the future.”
As to coins; let’s stop the redundancy of human portraits -- AND return to images of animals (just 'cause I like animals!). The Penny can show an eagle on side A and a portrait of Harriet Tubman on side B. The Nickel can have a pair of white tailed deer on side A and portraits of John and Abigail Adams on Side B. The Dime can show a Coho Salmon leaping against a water fall on side A and portraits of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt on side B. The Quarter can show a Grizzly Bear on side A and a portrait of Nancy and Ronald Reagan on side B. (Shocked? Don’t be. I really believe in justice for all. Now, of course, Nancy has to die before this can happen--so not something I expect to happen soon--, but won’t the astrologers be happy?) On the Fifty-cent piece let’s put an Otter on the A side, and Emily Dickinson on the B side. On the Dollar coin, let’s put the grey squirrel on side A and retain Sacagawea on side B.
This is just meant as a place to start this discussion. What do you think?
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